WITH the election now in the rear-view mirror, federal funding has not been committed to the planned Pines Forest Aquatic Centre upgrade.
Neither major party candidate committed to the project during the election campaign. Frankston Council has been advocating for funding for the upgrade, naming it as a priority project.
The planned upgrade is projected to cost around $31 million. Council has committed $10.3 million of ratepayer funding to the project, and is seeking funding from both state and federal governments to cover the rest of the bill.
The Times asked Dunkley MP Peta Murphy if she was planning to commit to the pool redevelopment during this term. She did not respond by publication deadline.
The master plan for the redevelopment includes the construction of an eight lane 50 metre lap pool, a dedicated learn to swim pool, outdoor gym equipment, an upgraded playground, a toddler pool, and a play area with waterslides.
The Pines Pool proposal has been backed by the CEOs of Aquatics & Recreation Victoria and Royal Life Saving Society. Kathy Parton, CEO of ARV, said “the redevelopment project will support community access to purpose built facilities and ensure enhanced learning of the skills of water safety to help save lives.”
“Aquatics and Recreation Victoria is a proud supporter of local pools and see the redevelopment of local community aquatic and recreation facilities essential to ensure they continue to meet community needs,” she said.
RLSS CEO Justin Scarr said “accessible swimming pool infrastructure is critical in ensuring no child misses out on vital swimming and water safety education, which decreases the risk of drowning.”