Photo caption: Moree Mayor Mark Johnson and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton are thrilled that Moree Plains Shire Council has received more than $9 million for the redevelopment of the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.

The Moree community will finally get a new pool, with the Australian Government providing more than $9 million for the redevelopment of Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has welcomed this funding which was announced today under Round 1 of the Growing Regions Program.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to see that Moree Plains Shire Council has been awarded a total of $9,641,761 for the long-awaited redevelopment of the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre,” Mr Coulton said.

“The Moree community has been without a 50-metre pool for the past few years and this funding will finally allow Council to construct a new pool, in addition to a children’s play area, a new grandstand and clubhouse.

“This is the best news for the entire Moree community; it will mean that local children will once again have an operational pool to learn to swim, train and compete in, as well as cool off during Moree’s long, hot summers.

“For the past few years, local swimmers were having to travel 80 kilometres to Warialda to train, while schools have not been able to run swimming carnivals, putting Moree students at a significant disadvantage.

“Moree is known for its beautiful artesian water and thanks to this funding, the MAAC will be able to be returned to its former glory as Moree’s number one tourist attraction and a first-class thermal aquatic and wellness destination.

“This funding has been a long time coming, and although the announcement of successful applicants for the Growing Regions Program was delayed by more than two months, I’m very thankful to Infrastructure Minister Catherine King for recognising the importance of this worthwhile project.”

Moree Plains Shire Council Mayor Mark Johnson fully supports Mr Coulton’s comments and thanks him for his support in this matter.

“This is a significant announcement for our community and will allow the redevelopment of our most iconic asset,” Cr Johnson said.

Moree Plains Shire Council is one of five recipients of Round 1 of the Growing Regions Program from the Parkes electorate. The other successful applicants include:

• Brewarrina Shire Council – $10,069,524 for the Brewarrina PCYC – Youth Hub and Indoor Sports Centre
• Dubbo Regional Council – $7,190,505 for the Wiradjuri Cultural Tourism Centre and Keeping Place
• Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation – $2,181,534 for a Community Cultural Hub Project
• Narrabri Shire Council – $1,483,112 for Narrabri Shire Tourism and Cultural Precinct – Stages 2 and 3

The Growing Regions Program provides funding to local government entities and incorporated not-for-profit organisations for capital works projects that deliver community and economic infrastructure projects across regional and rural Australia.

For more information on the Growing Regions Program, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regional-australia/regional-and-community-programs/growing-regions-program