Community Input sought on Proposed Aquatics and Sports Facilities Plan

Published on 18 July 2024

Wingecarribee Shire Council is seeking community feedback on an Aquatics Plan and business cases for a new Regional Aquatic Centre and Multipurpose Indoor Sports Facility. The public exhibition period runs from Monday, 5 August to Sunday, 29 September, 2024, offering residents a chance to have their say on these important documents.

The Regional Aquatic Centre business case outlines the potential benefits and costs associated with this new facility, including the potential closure of Bowral and Bundanoon Swimming Centres after its completion.

It is important to note however that this is the business case stage of the process and no final decisions will be made until the end of 2024 by the newly elected Council.

Current pools (Moss Vale, Bowral, Bundanoon) will remain operational throughout and beyond the consultation process.

The proposed facilities aim to address current and future community needs, including the replacement of aging infrastructure and the provision of modern, accessible amenities.

Key Features of the Proposed Facilities:

• Regional Aquatic Centre: A modern facility including a 25m indoor pool, 50m outdoor pool, learn-to-swim pool, splash pad, gym, and allied health spaces.
• Multipurpose Indoor Sports Facility: Expanding the existing Mittagong Indoor Sporting Facility with a further two indoor sports courts for basketball, volleyball, futsal, badminton, and netball, with spectator seating and shared gym and health spaces.

Proposed Location:

The comprehensive business case prepared by SGL Consulting highlights Mittagong Oval Precinct as the preferred location for both facilities, offering opportunities for integration and shared amenities.

From 5 August, 2024, Council encourages all residents to provide feedback on the proposed plan and business cases. Submissions can be made through the Participate Wingecarribee platform, by email to mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au, or in writing to the Council's Civic Centre.

Hamish McNulty Acting General Manager, emphasised the importance of community input: "If these plans are adopted it would mean a significant investment in our community's future, and we want to hear from residents about their needs and priorities."

The public exhibition will inform the development of the final business case, which will be presented to the newly elected Council in late 2024. No decisions regarding facility closures or new builds will be made until then.

Additional Information:

• The draft Aquatics Plan outlines key strategic directions for Council to guide the Aquatics Portfolio.
• SGL Consulting, a specialist planning firm, developed the Aquatics Plan and Business Cases.
• The facilities would cost no less than $85M to construct and an on-going $1M per year to operate.
• Construction of the facilities would be largely dependent on grant funding opportunities.
• In the best-case scenario, a new facility could not realistically open before 2030.

For more information and to review the plans, please visit Council Minutes and Agenda's for Wednesday, 17 July 2024.