Funding pledged in 2017 for Collie heated pool to be redirected into playground, infrastructure

Seven years after it was first pledged by former Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray, funding meant for the construction of an indoor heated pool in Collie has been redirected to other projects. Of the original $1.85 million pledged, $1.6 million will go towards the Soldiers Park playground redevelopment while $250,000 will be put towards building a shed at the existing pool in Collie. The playground will expand by 400sqm and will likely feature a nod to the history of Collie along with an emphasis on timber. Features such as a flying fox, parkour and a rock climbing wall could all be included as well as barbecues. Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns said the funding redirection was a result of listening to residents’ feedback. “This announcement today certainly gives the opportunity for people to have a low cost recreation facility here in Collie that will be accessible as well for people with disabilities, as well as young families and people of any age to come here and use the facilities,” she said. The announcement comes after the Collie community voted against building the pool at the potential cost of rates rising by up to 15 per cent. A referendum was held during last year’s local government elections with the no option receiving 55 per cent of the vote. Ms Hanns confirmed the State Government had no plans for a future heated pool in Collie, but said she would keep listening to the community. “In terms of the allocation of this funding it will be reallocated to this (playground and pool shed) project,” she said. “If that (heated pool) is something that the community wants to happen into the future, we’ll have to see what that looks like through other conversations with the community going forward.” Collie shire president Ian Miffling said he was pleased to see the funding finally being put to good use. “It was a case of what happens with the balance of the money because that was money allocated through an election promise and I must commend our State Government and our local member,” he said. “They’ve kept faith with the council and kept that money in escrow and finally decided that it’d be spent on these two worthy projects.” A storage room at the Collie pool will be a welcome return for clubs that frequent the facility. They have been transporting equipment to and from the pool for 14 years after the existing storage was demolished to make way for an expansion. Collie swimming club president Mick Birkinshaw said he was happy to see the funding coming their way. “It’s really exciting and a long time coming — 14 years we’ve been working out of a sea container, (that is) ever since I’ve been there,” he said. “We’re dragging that storage out every night just to go train and back.”