MidCoast Council has determined a new indoor hydrotherapy pool at the Tea Gardens pool site would not be financially sustainable.
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This was discussed at the December 18 ordinary meeting following the completion of the Indoor Hydrotherapy Pool Feasibility for MidCoast Council report.
There has been mounted community interest in recent years for council to consider the construction of a hydrotherapy pool in the Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest area. It was also highlighted during a council community conversations session in May.
Council then commissioned a feasibility study to look at different options to provide hydrotherapy functions.
Considerations for the study included capital costs, recurrent costs, costs associated with integrating a development with the existing pool or a stand-alone pool with its own facilities.
Converting an existing pool to provide an indoor heated lap pool for hydrotherapy and learn-to-swim was also considered.
The study assumed a new pool would be self-contained and meet current legislation for pool water turnover and filtration, air handling, disability access, change rooms, staff and reception facilities, plant room and storage.
It concluded a new hydrotherapy pool would not be the best option. Council will now apply for grant funding to improve the current pool facility overtime.
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In light of the report, council will also review the current fees, charges, supervision and collection of entry fees at all pools in the region.
Councillors also resolved to examine the feasibility of bringing back a pool advisory committee and speak with developers at Parry's Cove about the future use of the Tea Gardens site as a community pool.
During discussions at the council meeting, Cr Len Roberts raised the possibility of public transport from Stroud and Gloucester to the site.
After council's liveable communities director Paul De Szell questioned the need based on the distance between the towns and expected use of the service, Cr Roberts removed this point from an amendment.
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