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Australia’s leading manufacturer of horizontal and vertical media filters suited to all types of commercial pools, water playgrounds marine parks, aquaculture and zoos. They are an ideal…
read moreRoyal Life Saving Society - Australia has welcomed the new Growing Regions Program announced in this week’s Federal budget for its potential support local government and community groups in regional Australia to upgrade and replace ageing aquatic facilities.
The Federal Government grants will provide between $500,000 and $15 million to cover 50% or more of eligible expenditure and can be used for funding community infrastructure including community pools.
The State of Aquatic Facility Infrastructure Report 2022 conducted by Royal Life Saving found that across Australia, 500 pools will reach their end-of-life by 2030, with $8 billion required to replace them.
Encouraging local governments and community groups to prioritise applications for pools, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia Chief Executive, Justin Scarr stated “community pools are more than just places to swim; they are part of the fabric of the community, particularly in regional areas where they provide connection, employment and recreation opportunities.
“We know that local government, particularly in regional and remote areas, has struggled to find the funding to replacing aging pools even though they are a critical community resource.
“Increasingly we are seeing local governments having to consider closing pools all together as they start to need significant investment for repairs, or outright replacement.
“Aquatic facilities are a key contributor to drowning prevention activities, particularly in regional and inland locations. This is why aquatic facilities are a key feature of the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030.
“From a social, health and economic perspective we know aquatic facilities make an enormous difference to the communities they serve and there is a quantifiable positive return on investment.”
The Growing Regions Program replaces the previous Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which was not continued in this budget.
Applications for the Growing Regions Program open on Wednesday 5th July and close on Tuesday 1st August 2023 at 5pm.
Incorporated non-profit organisations, First Nations Community Controlled Organisations and local government agencies or bodies in regional areas can apply.
Projects which have already accessed Commonwealth funding, or which have commenced construction will not be eligible. Successful projects must be completed by 31st December 2025.
Feasibility studies are not eligible for funding.
Click here for full details on the grants.
Image: Parkes Aquatic Centre.
10th May 2023 - Australian Treasurer predicts budget surplus while delivering funds for arts, events and sport
10th May 2023 - Arts and tourism industry groups give varied response to 2023 Federal budget
10th May 2023 - Lithgow City Council invites community feedback on JM Robson Aquatic Centre
9th May 2023 - National Aquatics Symposium Report captures delegate contributions
9th May 2023 - Federal budget set to deliver further $500 million for Brisbane Olympics but no funds for Victoria’s Commonwealth Games
7th May 2023 - Prahran Aquatic Centre closes for winter refurbishing
28th April 2023 - New draft guidelines released on managing child safety in aquatic facilities
26th April 2023 - NSW Country Pool Managers count down to 2023 Conference
17th April 2023 - New pool chair lift installed at Port Pirie Aquatic and Leisure Centre
11th April 2023 - Gladstone Regional Council approves plans for new Boyne Tannum Aquatic Recreation Centre
31st March 2023 - LIWA Aquatics launches second Annual Western Australia Aquatic Recreation Industry Awards
27th March 2023 - New Yarra Ranges Aquatic Strategy to address state of Kilsyth Centenary Pool
20th March 2023 - Sunshine Coast Council announces $6 million upgrade program at Kawana Aquatic Centre
6th March 2023 - NSW flood affected sports facilities receive additional funding to repair and rebuild
6th March 2023 - Clarence Valley Council reveals plans for Grafton Regional Aquatic Centre
21st February 2023 - Victorian aquatics and recreation industry collaboration delivers successful inaugural diversity and inclusion in leisure forum
15th February 2023 - Pool liner failure prompts two month closure of South Hedland Aquatic Centre
3rd February 2023 - Adelaide City Council and community vote for new Aquatic Centre location
2nd November 2022 - Royal Life Saving report shows up to 40% of Australia’s pools may need substantial upgrade or replacement by 2030
18th July 2022 - Reopening of Muswellbrook Aquatic Centre opening postponed due to flooding
10th June 2022 - Maryborough Aquatic Centre to reopen after inundation during two flood events
6th June 2022 - Royal Life Saving spotlights Federal Government’s commitment to aquatic centre upgrades
4th September 2019 - ‘Confidentiality’ shrouds plans for future of ageing Adelaide Aquatic Centre
9th June 2016 - ARV releases guidelines for managing outdoor seasonal pools
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