Temora Pool Gets a Major Upgrade

Published on 02 November 2021

The Temora outdoor pool will receive a major upgrade worth $2,200,280 to be carried out during the off-season in 2022.

A special council meeting was held on Monday to discuss the four tenders that were submitted to carry out the work which led to ELM Group Pty Ltd in Griffith being awarded the contract.

“We have engaged this company in the past to build the indoor pool and the splash park which is currently under construction,” said Council’s Director of Environmental Services, Kris Dunstan.

“We’ve had very positive experiences and have great confidence in their work,” he said.

The upgrades will include:

• Extension of the pool to include two more lanes
• Resurfacing using the Myrtha System which uses a series of stainless steel and waterproof membranes to create a watertight seal
• The inclusion of a long ramp and steps for accessibility
• Recessed ladders

Whilst the decided cost was slightly above the original budget for the upgrades, the discussion at the special meeting highlighted the durability of accepting the Myrtha option.

“The system proposed by the ELM Group ensures the longevity of the pool which ultimately reduces maintenance costs in the long run,” explained Mr Dunstan.

An extra $40,000 over the original budget has been agreed upon for the project to allow for a stainless steel/heavy liner system which will make the pool easier to clean and there is a reduced chance of leaks and other structural issues that are associated with concrete and tile.

“The existing pool will be resurfaced, and the extra two lanes added meaning swimmers will feel like they have an entirely new pool,” Mr Dunstan said.

The existing diving board will be retained and refurbished as part of the upgrades.

Mayor Rick Firman is very pleased with the decision made at the special meeting

“This is a very exciting project for our community,” said the Mayor. “Our much beloved pool has been a staple in the lives of residents for 80 years. These upgrades ensure that future generations, for many years to come, will be able to enjoy this wonderful facility.”

The Elm Group were also chosen for their commitment to ensure local businesses benefit from the project.

“Local contractors will be engaged to carry out the work whilst accommodation providers and hospitality venues will also benefit during construction,” explained Mayor Firman.

“These upgrades will mean more residents can access the pool and that the community has a facility we can all be proud of,” he said.

“With the waterslide, splash park, indoor pool, toddler pool and now an impressive Olympic swimming pool, the Temora Recreation Centre will be a drawcard, not only to locals, but to visitors to our community as well.

“I would like to express sincere thanks to our Shire Councillors, our staff – particularly Mr Dunstan and our Town Planner, Mrs Claire Golder,” Mayor Firman said.

“I would particularly like to acknowledge our State Member for Cootamundra, Ms Cooke for the recent $990,000 grant toward this project. These funds, together with Council contributing $1.2 million, has enabled us to proceed with this essential $2.2 million overhaul of our pool.”

The upgrades to the pool are expected to be carried out between March and November 2022.