Council claims Andrews pledges pool shortfall

Gosford Council claimed last week that Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews has made a commitment to find an additional $1.3 million to complete the regional leisure centre at Woy Woy pool.

This came just a week after Ms Andrews defended a grant of just $200,000 towards the $16 million development of a regional leisure centre at the Woy Woy pool site.

In a media statement on March 13, she rejected Gosford Council's claims that the Peninsula Regional Leisure Centre was in jeopardy due to a lack of State Government funding, after the Premier announced a commitment of $200,000 toward the development.

Ms Andrews said a further $1.2 million had been allocated to the improvement of the intersection of Allfield Rd and Blackwall Rd, which was the closest major intersection to the aquatic centre.

"In November 2001, the project budget was only $12 million.

"We are now told that the pool redevelopment will cost over $16 million.

"Council cannot expect the State Government to make up for its budget blow-out," Ms Andrews said.

Council applied for a grant of $300,000 from the Department of Sport and Recreation and were allocated $200,000, she said.

"I do not believe for a minute that the project could be under threat because Council were hoping for more from the State Government," said Ms Andrews.

"The $200,000 is not necessarily the end of the story.

"I am also still in discussion with the State Government about further funding for road improvements in the vicinity of the leisure centre."

However, the Council's media statement claimed discussions were about funding the centre: "Council is currently discussing additional funding with the local member Marie Andrews and State Government representatives.

"Marie Andrews has made a commitment to find an additional $1.3 million from the State Government," it stated.

The current complex will close on March 28 to allow for dismantling prior to construction beginning in June.

The new regional aquatic centre will have upgraded swimming facilities.

The heated, indoor Olympic standard pool will have a state-of-the-art technology water filtration and treatment system.

New grandstands and facilities will enable the coast to host regional and school swimming carnivals, water polo competitions, and national and state championships.

Other facilities at the aquatic centre included two indoor basketball-netball courts, gymnasium and aerobics facilities as well as a cafe and a child-minding service.

There will also be a large indoor play structure and birthday party room, sauna and spa.

Mayor Cr Robert Bell said: "Gosford needs to have a world class aquatic venue.

"Even the premier stated this in his recent media release.

"This major project will provide exceptional facilities for the community today and for generations to come.

"Council has explored retaining the current outdoor pool but our consultants have advised against this.

"Council is keen to get the project underway so as to minimize the time users of the current facilities will have to travel to Gosford.

"The new modern state-of-the art facilities will be worth waiting for," he said.

The current learn to swim programs and squad training have been transferred to Gosford Pool while the new complex is being built.

Plans for the new center are on display at the entry foyer to the Woy Woy pool and further details on council's website, www.gosford.nsw.gov.au.

In 2001, the Federal Government made a grant of $1.5 million towards the cost of the centre.

Press releases, March 13 and 20