First funds for pool

CASEY Council is making waves in the development of the new Cranbourne Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
Stage one of the multi-million dollar facility is underway after councillors allocated funds and adopted a special council committee at last week’s council meeting.
The $21.5 million facility is proposed to include a 50 metre eight lane pool, 150 metre hot water program pool, 600 metre free form pools with water play splash park, spa/sauna/steamrooms, a health and fitness centre, food and retail area and change rooms.
The council committee, to consist of mayor Kevin Bradford, Mayfield Ward councillor Steve Beardon, Balla Balla Ward councillor Colin Butler, CEO Mike Tyler and planning director Paul Bawden, will oversee all aspects of the project.
The establishment of an internal committee worked successfully in the development of the Casey ARC and council officers said they were confident the same could be achieved for Cranbourne.
As part of stage one, $200,000 has been set aside for the development of a master plan to finalise design components and undertake further community consultation.
Cr Bradford said the council was moving ‘full steam ahead’ in the development of the long awaited pool which is due for official opening by 2008. “We are finally getting there,” he said. “This pool is what residents have been looking for for a long time. “This is an exciting development that will be one of the best aquatic centres in Victoria.”
Cr Bradford said council officers would draw on their experience from the construction of Casey ARC to perfect Cranbourne’s new pool.
“Cranbourne residents will benefit because all the little design faux pas that were put in Casey Arc won’t be there at Cranbourne.
“Because they have been patient they will end up with a better pool. Cranbourne is going to be perfect,” he said.