Debt free pool - $8m Hay Pool replacement project fully funded

Senator Deborah O’Neill (right) with Hay Mayor Carol Oataway - the duo gave the ‘thumbs up’ to the recent announcement of funding to complete the replacement of swimming pools at the John Houston Memorial Pool complex in Hay. Images: The Riverine Grazier / Krista Schade

By Tertia Butcher

The replacement pool and facilities at the John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool will be constructed free of debt to Council and at minimal cost to ratepayers.

The $8.067 million project received a further boost of $4.191 million last week following Council’s successful funding application under Round 2 of the Growing Regions Program.

Council previously received State funding of $3 million for the project which has to be spent in the first half of 2025, and needed matching funding.

A grant application last year under Growing Regions Program was unsuccessful and Council made the difficult decision to apply for a TCORP (NSW Treasury Corporation)) loan for the remaining $4.191 million while working on other grant applications.

Not all councillors were comfortable with the large amount of debt, but General Manager David Webb warned that the pool was old, could no longer be patched up and was ready for catastrophic failure any time.

Acting General Manager, Mark Dowling told The Riverine Grazier last week’s announcement was great news for Hay.

“It means Council does not have to take up the TCORP loan which was always going to be a bit of a challenge for a Council our size,” Mr Dowling said.

Mayor Carol Oataway echoes Mr Dowling’s words and said this was an exciting announcement for Hay Shire Council and the community. 

“Securing $4.191 million from the Growing Regions Program Round 2 ensures we can deliver a first-class aquatic facility that our residents deserve, replacing our ageing 60-year-old pool complex,” Cr Oataway added.

“Most importantly, this funding means we can achieve this project debt-free, safeguarding the financial future of our Shire.

“I would like to acknowledge the team effort from Council staff in obtaining this grant, in particular the General Manager, David Webb, who put in countless hours to ensure we had the best possible application on the table. 

“This is an investment in the future of Hay."

With the project now 99 per cent externally funded, Council’s commitment to the multi-million-dollar project is only $100,000.

Labor spokesperson for Farrer, Senator Deborah O’Neill was in Hay on Friday to announce the funding, which is one of only three in the electorate.

“The $4.191 million to upgrade the John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool in Hay includes a new regional aquatic precinct with a 50-metre competition pool, a 15 metre learn-to-swim pool and a zero-depth beach-style children’s pool, as well as new shade, change and filtration facilities,” Ms O’Neill said.

The Growing Regions Program funds infrastructure such as cultural and sporting hubs, town precincts and parks which build community and improve liveability in remote, rural and regional Australia.

Projects are chosen after a full merit-based selection process.

Hay Pool will close earlier this season, on March 2 to allow for works to commence.

Mr Webb said the closing date was chosen in order to accommodate zone swimming carnivals on February 27 and 28.

Hay Shire Council staff and councillors and avid local pool users gathered for the official announcement, in the grounds of the Hay Pool complex. From Left: Ali McLean, Mark Dowling, Geoff Chapman, Lani and David Houston, Senator O’Neill, Gail Munn, Martyn Quinn, Carol Oataway, Lionel Garner, Paul Porter, John Perry and Kirsten Thronder.

Meritorious submission wins $4 million for pool

A meritorious submission described by Senator Deborah O’Neill as excellent was responsible for Hay Shire Council winning a $4 million grant towards replacing the ageing John Houston Memorial Pool.

“This project was approved by a committee that has representations from all political parties and independents,” Senator O’Neill said during her visit to the pool last Friday.

“No senator or member of New South Wales has any say about anything in New South Wales.

“So this project was judged by members of Parliament from other parties, from other states, who said the project here in Hay is a fantastic investment of Australian taxpayers dollars.

“This will remain a free pool at Hay.

“The last time I was here, I was absolutely delighted and energised by the story of John Houston - his care for this community and his focus on safety, particularly water safety and the need to create a free pool for people to access.

“It has operated so successfully for well over 60 years, and I'm delighted to be joined today by his son and granddaughter (David and Lani) for this very special announcement.

Lani and David Houston represented the Houston family at the funding announcement, alongside Senator Deborah O’Neill and Mayor Carol Oataway.

“John Houston's vision of Hay is worthy of support.”

Mayor Carol Oataway said it was an exciting announcement for the community.

“It's a project that we've had in plan for many years.

“We've got a 60-year-old, ageing facility that desperately needs replacing, and this announcement means we can do it debt free.

“It's fully paid for so it's so exciting for our community.

“David Webb put a lot of work and his heart and soul into this application, along with his staff.

“The team worked extremely hard to get that second application correct, and we need to acknowledge those efforts today.”