The Tasmanian Government has confirmed it will provide $5 million in funding to prevent the closure of the iconic Glenorchy War Memorial Pool in Hobart’s north.
Liberal Member for Clark, Madeleine Ogilvie said the Government was aware that the closure of the pool had troubled Glenorchy City Council and the local community.
“In Parliament just this week, we heard of the keen interest of the Council for the Government to intervene and save this facility,” said Ms Ogilvie (pictured, right).
“I am proud to say, we are acting, with the $5 million funding commitment we took to the recent election now confirmed to be provided in the upcoming 2024-2025 State Budget.
“This funding will allow the pool to re-open while longer-term solutions are developed.
The Minister said the Department of State Growth is now working with the Glenorchy City Council to commence the work required and to discuss the specific terms of the funding, including ongoing governance arrangements for the project.
On 8 May, the Council released an insights report compiled by the consultants investigating options for the Glenorchy War Memorial Pool.
After a number of community engagement opportunities by consultants MI Global Partners, the report found that the community is in favour of having a pool on the site in the longer term.
Glenorchy Mayor, Bec Thomas said Council urged Glenorchy residents and ratepayers to read the report which was now on the council’s website.
“Council promised the community would be engaged as part of its decision-making regarding the future of the pool site, and this report compiled by MI Global Partners summarises that engagement and feedback from the community,” the Mayor said.
“MI Global Partners will now further assess the community’s preferred options which all include aquatic facilities. They will then seek further, community input for the pool site before presenting an options report to Council.
“We know people have strong views on the future of the pool site and I am pleased this process has allowed community to have their say.
“All up, almost 950 people completed a survey on their preference for the site, with targeted engagement also undertaken as part of the engagement process.”
The engagement insights report can be found here – Glenorchy War Memorial Pool Engagement Insights Report.