MAITLAND DIVES INTO AQUATIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Maitland City Council has taken the first step in the implementation of its Aquatic Development Strategy, adopted in May this year, approving the development application (DA) for construction of a 25 x 25 metre indoor heated pool at Maitland Aquatic Centre.

The DA approval is the first step required to carry out the strategy, that aims to see the Maitland Aquatic Centre developed into a modern indoor/outdoor aquatic leisure centre.

Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Morton said Council’s decision to approve the application for the pool’s construction is in line with providing for the city’s predicted population growth.

‘The combination of high population growth, high numbers of children and young people, and a gradual ageing demographic profile confirms the need for a greater range of indoor and outdoor water spaces now and into the future,’ she said.

‘The indoor pool will be open year round, with an estimated 50,000 people expected to use the facility during the winter months when the 50 metre pool is closed,’ she said.

‘The heated pool will also be useful during summer when many patrons can’t access pools because of school swimming carnivals and lack of water space.’

Council has considered heritage conservation, disabled access, waste management, car parking, environmental impacts, flood risk and impacts on residential development in its decision to approve the DA.

The project will also include a covered walkway to the existing change room and an aquatic centre building with spectator stand and plant room.

The approval of the pool’s construction represents the first stage of the long term project. A report will be presented to Council outlining a funding strategy and estimated timeline for the implementation of the Maitland Aquatic Development Strategy.