AusLeisure

Moree Plains Shire Council has invited expressions of interest to redevelop the 115-year old Moree Hot Artesian Pool Complex.

The planned $6.25 million project aims to develop Moree's famous natural hot water springs into a significant attraction. A two-stage development of the facility was announced last year by the Moree Plains Shire Council, with $3.25 million committed to stage one of the plans.

However, a further $3 million from the Federal Governmentâs Regional and Local Community infrastructure program means that the Council has embarked on a new EOI process for both stages of the project to be undertaken simultaneously.

Moree Mayor Katrina Humphries believes that the redevelopment will give the pool complex, and the community, a much-needed boost, stating "even in its current tired state the pool complex attracts a considerable number of patrons, both residents and visitors.

"Just imagine the number of patrons it will attract when the facilities are upgraded and modernised."

This redevelopment is expected to include:

• Upgrade of the current outdoor swimming pool to a FINA Olympic standard 50-metre pool;
• Refurbishment and replacement of the hot pools and associated plant and equipment, providing increased hot pool capacity;
• Redevelopment of the children's aquatic play area;
• Installation of a fitness area which will also deliver programs targeting obesity, diabetes and heart disease with a focus on Indigenous, disabled and ageing members of the community;
• Redevelopment of the entrance and administration area, including the installation of an interpretive/cultural display giving the history of the 115-year-old facility and telling the story of the importance of artesian waters to the Moree community;
• Construction of a cafe that will feature local and regional produce;
• Allocation of areas for commercial lease by businesses offering products and services complimentary to the health and healing properties of the artesian water; and
• Use of modern water re-use and heat exchange technologies.

The Council will also partner with Nindethana Aboriginal Corporation to provide training opportunities for Indigenous people during construction.

Known as the 'Spa Capital of Australia', data from the Moree Plains Shire Council shows that tourism contributes over $49 million annually to the region's economy.

The current pool complex facilities were last upgraded in 1979. 

16th September 2008 - ATEC ACTS ON WELLNESS TOURISM

2nd May 2008 - BUSY TIMES FOR SGL GROUP

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.