Moreland council allocates money for pool in budget

by Janet Grigg
As you may have read in the local press, Moreland council has allocated $392,000 for capital works on Moreland's aquatic facilities in the 2008/09 draft budget. It appears that $360,00 of this money is earmarked for the repair of the Coburg Olympic Pool. Works to be undertaken include a refit of the reception area, general pool maintenance and the replacement of lane ropes, reels and pool covers. In response to one of our questions at the council meeting, the Director of the Program of Works advised that if this budget item is passed in July, then barring any unforeseen circumstances, the works will be undertaken early enough for the pool to be open on 1st December 2008. So although nothing is guaranteed at this stage, this is good news indeed.

At the meeting we also asked whether it was possible for Friends of Coburg Pool to be actively involved in setting the future direction of the pool, and to be included in any steering groups, committees, focus groups and the like. As we are very keen to work with the council for a positive outcome. The short answer from the council was yes, that was well understood.  So at this point we need to keep the pressure on and maybe, just maybe start thinking about that beautiful day when the pool will re-open!

You can find a copy of the proposed 2008/09 Moreland budget here and more information about the budget process in general here.