This comes after Prime Minister Scott Morrison unveiled a multi-billion dollar package to save the Australian economy.
“We all appreciate that Australia is not immune from world events and natural disasters, and as a result, our economy is struggling,” Mayor Byrne said.
“The recent announcement made by the Federal Government to introduce measures to support our economy is great news and projects like the revitalisation of Waves is another way we are giving a boost to our local economy.
“The renewal of our aquatic centre will create 170 full-time jobs during construction and another 41 full-time jobs during ongoing operation.
“While Council is delivering this exciting project, we are asking the State and Federal Governments to help with the hire cost of construction so that we can create an asset that will allow our residents to live their best possible life, as well as be enjoyed by generations to come.
“Upgrading facilities like this are hard for councils to do alone and like so many other public swimming pools, State and Federal funding is necessary.
“I will be putting forward projects like Waves to our State Treasurer, Federal Treasurer and even the Prime Minister to consider for funding. They enable our community to lead active and healthy lives, allow social hubs to develop, and also provide the opportunity for local employment, which assists in aiding our economy.
“This project is shovel ready and I’m excited for work to begin shortly,” Mayor Byrne added.
Council approved a $55M concept design for the new swim facility during the Ordinary Meeting of Council last year.
Council also moved to adopt a Masterplan for the existing site, allowing the potential for further enhancements to be made at Waves in the future.
Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre is scheduled to close on March 31, 2020 and Belgravia Leisure will continue to operate the facility up to this date.
Construction will commence shortly after the site has been decommissioned and a construction company chosen for the knock down and rebuild.
