Armidale is diving in the deep end with a $400,000 State Government grant to undertake scoping works for a new sporting precinct that includes the Monckton Aquatic Centre, a new hydrotherapy pool and the adjacent Harris Park, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall MP has announced.
Mr Marshall made the announcement alongside Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland and General Manager James Roncon at the Monckton Aquatic Centre on Friday 15 December.
“The grant would be used for the initial scoping and planning proposal, the first step in deciding whether the project is worthy and viable,” Mr Marshall said.
“This is a bold plan that has been on council’s agenda for some time to significantly funding for strong desire for a new hydrotherapy pool.
“The pool could be used for rehabilitation, exercise, swimming training and would have many health benefits for the elderly, disabled or those suffering chronic pain.
“I have long put my support behind such a project, which would provide post-operative, therapeutic, and preventative health benefits for a wide range of people in the Armidale community and beyond.”
Mr Marshall said a new sporting precinct and hydrotherapy pool for Armidale has long been on the agenda and hopefully now there will be some movement in the water.
“This is a positive first step and I’ll eagerly await to see what the scoping works reveal.”
Mayor of Armidale Regional Council Sam Coupland warmly welcomed the funding.
“We have been eager to crack the whip on this plan to develop the area as a first-class sporting precinct with a state-of-the-art new aquatic centre including hydrotherapy facilities.
‘The funding will be the first step in delivering for our community that has expressed a desire to enhance and upgrade our recreational spaces.
“As a governing body we are aligned and focused to deliver on our plans.”
Mr Marshall said the grant was secured under the Local Small Commitments Allocation Fund.
Published on 18 Dec 2023