Construction of a 50 metre pool in Millmerran hit a new milestone this week with Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) approving an increase to the budget.
While the process has taken longer than expected, TRC Environment and Community Services Committee Chair Cr James O’Shea said Council was committed to delivering the best outcome for the Millmerran community.
“We’re looking forward to building a new modern 50 metre, six-lane pool in Millmerran,” Cr O’Shea said.
“In addition to the pool, there will be new change rooms and recreational waterplay options for Millmerran with the new facilities designed to better service the community, through improved functionality, accessibility and efficiency.
“This is an investment for the future and will provide a long-lasting benefit to all of the Millmerran community.”
In approving an additional budget of $430,000 for the project, Cr O’Shea said Council had undertaken a value management process to investigate potential cost savings for the project while maintaining the scope of delivery.
“Council has worked hard to meet the expectation of the community with this project, while remaining within budget,” Cr O’Shea said.
“During the tender process, Council identified issues with the rising cost and increased timeframes for material deliveries due to factors relating to COVID-19 impacts. This is the same problem we’re seeing throughout all of Australia at the moment.
“These changing factors have resulted in a revised timeframe for completion, which is now scheduled for mid-2023 rather than late-2022, weather permitting.
Council expects construction activities to commence in March 2022 and in the intervening period various approvals and design activities will be completed.
“For safety reasons, the facility will remain closed during construction until the project is completed in mid-2023.
“We know this extended closure will be a significant inconvenience for those currently using the facility,” Cr O’Shea said.
“Unfortunately due to the large volume of water loss, 30,000 litres per day, it would be irresponsible for Council to continue to operate the pool under those conditions.
“We’ve listened to the concerns of impacted stakeholders with the pool now unavailable for the 2022/23 summer season which is why Council will be offering a micro-grant program.
“The micro-grant program will assist those impacted by helping them hire buses to transport their groups from Millmerran to Pittsworth for swimming.”
The community can follow progress on this project, through to completion, through updates on Council’s website.
