The Tuncurry Water Splash Park, planned to replace the ageing Tuncurry swimming pool, has moved another step forward after receiving a cash injection earlier this week from the Federal government.
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The shut-down of the pool, following the end of this season's swimming season, marked a new beginning for the 48-year-old pool, with MidCoast Council planning a massive revamp of the facility and the surrounding area.
The swimming pool site was one of two Great Lakes projects to receive a combined $700,000 grant.
Earlier this week, Member for Lyne, David Gillespie announced the government would contribute $400,000 towards construction of the $1.5 million splash park, while the Tea Gardens swimming was given $300,000 for the $700,000 stage one upgrade of the facility.
RELATED: Tuncurry water park begins to emerge
Dr Gillespie believed the splash park would see Tuncurry evolve into a state-of-the-art tourism mecca and that every child would want to visit the facility.
"Water parks are extremely popular, and this will be a great asset for both the local community and visitors," Dr Gillespie said.
Before construction begins council will again consult the community before reporting back to either the October or November monthly ordinary meeting.
Water parks are extremely popular, and this will be a great asset for both the local community and visitors.
- David Gillespie
Mayor, David West said there had been strong community support for a children's water park for some time.
"This is an opportunity to provide an amazing water park facility to our community," Cr West said.
"We are looking forward to working with the community to help shape the plans for the space."
Attending the announcement, councillor Troy Fowler said the area would be converted into a vibrant space for the entire MidCoast Council community and its tourists.
"It will be an all abilities play space where the focus will be on inclusion," Cr Fowler said.
The project was expected to begin in September with further community consultation to gauge ideas for the space, which could include a large bucket dumper, showering arches, water cannons, random ground sprays across the pad and showering features.
The space also would include barbecue and picnic facilities while the tired looking and unsuitable amenities block would be upgraded to be an all inclusive facility.
Council anticipates the splash park will be open for the 2021-22 swimming season.
Tea Gardens pool
Improvements to disabled access and an upgrade to amenities - ensuring the facilities are compliant with disabled access requirements - will be undertaken during stage one of the Tea Gardens swimming pool makeover.
"This is a very important project for the aged and disabled in Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, who currently struggle to enter the pool site through a turnstile," Dr Gillespie said.
Cr West said he was pleased to see work on the Tea Gardens project starting and that ensuring all abilities access was a council priority.
"These are projects that council has long had a vision to deliver for our community and thanks to the Australian Government and the work by David Gillespie we can now make them a reality," Cr West said.
Dr Gillespie said these projects would play an important role in improving local infrastructure, creating local jobs and supporting the region post-COVID recovery.
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Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
