THE opening of the new Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex has been setback by a further two weeks.
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Recent wet weather and issues with pool tiling have been blamed for the most recent setback, which will now see the facility open in December.
News of the delays comes after council declared in September the project was on track for its expected completion date on November 22.
The delays and the allocation for further funds taking the project’s cost over $13 million were discussed at last night’s October council meeting.
Councillor Gae Swain said while the setback was disappointing, the finished product would be “well worth the wait.”
“I have made my feelings clear from the start that I think this is a very worthwhile project,” Cr Swain said.
“It’s a chance for us, as a council, to build on the legacy of the old pool and the good work done by the community who first built it.”
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Cr Owen Hasler said the setback was “unacceptable.”
“I am not against allocating any funds for the finalisation of this project,” Cr Hasler said.
“I am against being notified of these costs and delays at such a late stage.
“To be notified at the eleventh hour like this is unacceptable in my opinion.”
Councillors also voted to allocate $300,000 towards putting the finishing touches on the facility’s grounds, and making the first two days of operation free for the community.
“As I say I have no issue with any of the individual items that money is going towards,” Cr Hasler said.
“However, I do feel this project being delayed and now having gone past the $13 million mark isn’t acceptable.”
Cr Murray O’Keefe said the allocated funds were designed to be spent on the project.
“I think it’s worth noting the money we are spending now is money that can’t be spent elsewhere,” Cr O’Keefe said.
“It is money that is required to be spent on a capital project at the pool and I am happy to do so.”
No opening date has yet been confirmed.