The suggested Aquatic Centre, planned for Western Reserve Castlemaine, is generating debate across the Shire. The Council conducted an information session about the Aquatic Centre at the Newstead RTC on Thursday March 18, with a steady number of people asking questions and giving opinions. I have received consistent feedback on the issue, generally supportive of the idea, with a lot of sympathy expressed for the people of Harcourt, who stand to lose their pool as part of the process. The Newstead commmuity well under stands the situation, knowing how their pool is a vital and greatly valued facility. The reason advanced for the possible closure of the Castlemaine, Chewton and Harcourt is an economic one - it is suggested (by people with expertise) that it would cost an estimated $8,000,000 to repair/restore these pools. These figures are to be tested by a professional review of the state of all pools across the Shire, to be carried out as a matter of urgency. We will then be in a position to make the necessary decisions on how to proceed. Finance for the pool would be achieved without taking all available funds for recreational reserves and facilities across the Shire.
The Council is undertaking a review of all of its recreational reserves and is committed to improvements across the Shire. The Newstead Recreational Reserve Committee is presently putting together what it considers to be a strong case for major improvements to the clubhouse and its surrounds. We are hopeful that we (the Newstead community) can persuade Council to give Newstead a high priority in its planning. If you want to discuss any of these matters with me, you can do so by:
emailing loddon@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or
ringing me on 0466 004 630
Come to see me on a Thursday at the Newstead RTC ( appointments 5476 2360 )
Michael Redden, Councillor for Loddon Ward
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