Deconstruction of the Olympic pool at Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) is set to commence in the next few weeks, with Moree Plains Shire Council appointing a local contractor to undertake the work.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 50 metre pool was assessed as no longer fit for use and drained earlier this year, following the settlement of legal proceedings in the Supreme Court of NSW as a result of the construction of the pool.
Over the past few months, Moree Plains Shire Council has been in the process of decommissioning the pool, in preparation for its reconstruction.
Now, the demolition of the pool is ready to begin, according to MAAC board chair Mick Cikota.
READ ALSO:
"The safety of our patrons has always been our top priority and following receipt of the most recent advice from our structural engineer, it was abundantly clear that we needed to push ahead with the decommissioning and deconstruction of the Olympic Pool," Mr Cikota said.
"Of course we are disappointed that we cannot provide our loyal swimmers and valued community groups with access to the Olympic Pool for this upcoming swim season; I hope with the works commencing shortly we will be able to deliver more positive news for future swim seasons.
"Although the Olympic Pool will not be available, community members wanting to escape the heat during this upcoming summer will still be able to attend the MAAC and use the program pool and hydroplay area."
Mayor Katrina Humphries said she hopes the community will be patient during the process of reconstruction.
"The MAAC has a significant history across Australia and council and the MAAC board are committed to ensuring the new Olympic pool is designed and constructed to the highest possible standard so it can be enjoyed for many years to come," she said.
"Development of the new Olympic Pool and all phases of construction must be meticulously undertaken and this is a case where we will be crossing all 't's and dotting every 'i'.
"I understand that this ongoing closure will inconvenience our regular pool users as well as visitors and I sincerely apologise for this unavoidable disruption and appreciate their patience.
"I am well aware that the blistering hot days experienced in Moree throughout summer are usually remedied by a swim in the pool, but I hope community members will seek refuge from the heat in the MAAC's program pool and hydroplay area which will remain open throughout summer while deconstruction of the Olympic Pool takes place."
Following a resolution passed at Thursday's council meeting, council has announced that a local company has been appointed to undertake the demolition works.
Council's general manager Lester Rodgers was pleased that a local firm has been successful in securing the work, noting that council had worked successfully with this company over many years for a number of projects including the Evergreen Precinct's Moree Water Ski Park.
Deconstruction works by the local contractor are expected to commence within the next few weeks and while this part of the facility will remain closed, all other parts of the MAAC will be open as advertised.
