Geraldton and Mullewa pools get funding

City of Greater Geraldton pools in Geraldton and Mullewa will be sparkling that little bit more this summer after $30,000 of grants funded by Royalties for Regions.

The grants come as part of the Community Pool Revitalisation Program, which through Royalties for Regions will contribute $13.2 million over four years towards supporting local pools and aquatic facilities in regional WA. 

Money will go towards aquatic centre maintenance, upgrades, purchase of pool equipment and staff training at the Geraldton Aquarena and the Mullewa Swimming Pool. 

Member for Moore Shane Love MLA and Member for the Agricultural Region Paul Brown MLC congratulated the City on receiving the grants, saying they hoped to see the funding boost in action over the summer months. 

“Anyone who lives in a regional area knows how important local pools are to their community, and we don’t mean just for taking a cooling dip,” they said.

“These facilities also play a valuable role in connecting the community socially, providing numerous health benefits, recreation opportunities and increasing education outcomes.

“This funding will keep our local pools as inviting and accessible as possible to people of all ages, encouraging them to lead an active, healthy and refreshing lifestyle.”

The Community Pool Revitalisation Program was a Nationals WA election commitment in 2013, providing regional local governments up to $30,000 per aquatic facility under their management each year.

In the inaugural funding round, a total of $2,708,128 was granted to 91 pools around WA. Of 127 public aquatic centres in the state, almost 100 are located in the regions.

It is estimated they receive more than 10 million visits each year and in 2012-13 employed more than 3000 people in a full or part-time capacity, including life guards, pool operators and swimming instructors/coaches.

For further information about the Community Pool Revitalisation Program visit www.dsr.wa.gov.au/cprp