By JESSE GRAHAM
A NEW aquatics centre for the Yarra Valley is set to front council next week, and the council is preparing to lobby politicians for a helping hand.
The feasibility study on a new Yarra Valley Aquatics Centre was confirmed as an item for next week’s Yarra Ranges Council meeting by mayor Fiona McAllister.
The study, which has been compiled over the last two years, will explore the potential for a new pool and aquatics facilities to be based in the Healesville area.
Should the council endorse the feasibility study at the meeting, Cr McAllister said the project would then move to a consultation phase, where the public could comment.
Cr McAllister said the project would then be the subject of the council’s advocacy program, and that the state and federal governments would be asked to contribute funds.
“The funding requirements would be quite significant,” she said.
“We’ll be asking for millions.”
The feasibility study was expected to front council in around April, but was delayed due to extensive research and evaluation being carried out, according to the council.
The study is coinciding with a review of the Yarra Ranges Aquatic Strategy, which maps out the future of the shire’s pools.
