Oakleigh Pool - Photo
Monash Bulletin - 12 June 2007
Council Commits $6m To Oakleigh Pool
Monash City Council has committed to funding $6 million to refurbish and extend aquatic facilities at Oakleigh Recreation Centre.
Mayor Tom Morrissey said an extensive community consultation process had shown a clear direction for the redevelopment.
" The Oakleigh Recreation Centre Redevelopment Steering Committee, which is comprised of Councillors Dimopoulos, Kottek and McGill, has heeded this feedback and also recommended adding a new outdoor spa, improved kiosk and water conservation and recovery systems.
" The total cost of the project is $6.96 million. Council has allocated $6 million of its funds to the project and will apply to the State Government through the Better Pools funding program to supplement the funding shortfall. The Committee is confident of securing State funding."
Cr Morrissey said Council's $6 million contribution would be funded through cash reserves and land sales.
" With the outcome of a funding application likely to be known by February 2008, works could commence in April with an opening of the newly refurbished facility for the summer season of 2009.
" I believe the new facility will appeal to all age groups, with families, teenagers and older people all catered for. It has been something of a bumpy ride to reach this position but hopefully the community will appreciate that large expenditure of ratepayers' funds always needs careful, considered action by Council.
" When I used my casting vote as Mayor in March 2002 to pass a resolution to keep both Oakleigh and Clayton pools open and to invest in their long-term future, I was confident that Council would engineer a good outcome for both facilities. The $24.2 million Clayton Community Centre, which incorporates the Clayton pool, will become a showpiece for this city, and now we also have an excellent outcome for Oakleigh pool.
" I would like to acknowledge the work done by the Steering Committee on a project that has stirred considerable passion in the community."
Published: 8 June 2007
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