Dubbo also has an abundance of young people who are very talented and successful at swimming.  It’s a terrible shame that we are potentially having our young people missing out on training and sporting activities simply because of our swimming facilities not being up to scratch.

Our young people as well as our tourism industry are all reporting that Dubbo’s fun water facilities are simply not up to scratch and should be far better than what we have, considering we are a regional city.  They both report that we could have things like more water slides, wave pools and other “thrill attractions”.

The Winter months are problematic for Dubbo swimmers. In recent times only the Dubbo RSL has offered indoor swimming facilities while Council’s swimming pool has been closed because it’s an outdoor facility and simply too cold.

The recent temporary closure of the Dubbo RSLs pool has highlighted the need for Dubbo’s coming of age in the aquatic space.  Many people have made contact with councillors expressing this concern.  Ever since my election as Mayor I have had various people put proposals to me about a pool expansion.

With the trouble that the RSL is facing, I believe it is important to not kick a very good community organisation when they are down.  If Council were to expand our aquatic centre with indoor facilities, the best outcome for the city would be to do so in consultation with the RSL so we can focus both our businesses on different points of interest. 

It’s for all these reasons that at the coming meeting of Council I will be asking for a masterplan to be drawn up with public consultation. 

In this day and age, both State and Federal Governments require a master plan and business case for grant funding. In my mind it’s high time we proceed to do a masterplan for this need.

With our State Government being awash with funds due to the sale of the Snowy Hydro, electricity poles and wires and dramatic increase in State stamp duty revenue, I am very optimistic for Dubbo to have a majorly expanded aquatic centre.

And why shouldn’t we ask the state government for more?  If we don’t build the case and grab the opportunity to secure funds there is always the risk that funds will be spent elsewhere perhaps in Sydney for the proposal to knock down and rebuild stadiums. 

Under Dubbo Regional Councils asset renewal program, the existing playground at Wahroonga Park has reached its useful life expectancy and has been identified for renewal. Following an extensive Expressions of Interest period, Council reviewed the playground renewal proposals from suitable playground designers, suppliers and installer and have chosen two designs.

Council acknowledges that Wahroonga Park has an extremely high visitation rate and is often frequented by locals and visiting families and groups, and is often a popular choice for birthday parties and/or events. In an effort to provide adequate play value to reflect the high visitation rate at Wahroonga Park, Council have identified that an extension of the playground is warranted, which has been reflected within the provided designs.

Both designs provide vibrant inclusive play spaces with incorporation of naturalised play/seating elements and additionally utilise the existing toddler concrete cycle track and shade sails.

Council are now inviting the community to help choose their favourite design within a public voting system which will be run on the Dubbo Regional Council Facebook page beginning 9am Monday 18 June. Voting will close at 5pm on Wednesday, June 27.