A recent poll conducted by the Walcha News has found that the majority of respondents want the local pool refurbished and a new gym building through the ‘Stronger Country Communities Funding’ available.
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The pool refurbishment was supported by 39 per cent of those who took part in the survey, while the gym build was favoured by 35 per cent. Next in popularity was the Walcha Oval kiosk and toilet upgrade with 12 per cent. Only 8 per cent wanted a community storage facility.
However Walcha mayor Eric Noakes said it was not a case of prioritising one over another, but supporting all four of the projects proposed by Council.
It's not a case of prioritising one over another
- Eric Noakes
‘“The Walcha community has been the recipient of around $1.5 million to update or build new sporting and community infrastructure,” Mr Noakes said.
“This is State Government funding and needs the support of the community and also of our local member Kevin Anderson. These four prioritised projects have all been included in our ten year plan as community priorities. This funding being available brings these projects to fruition that may never been possible.”
A community gymnasium, run by the community for the community will be a great asset Mr Noakes says.
“The makeshift gym at the sports centre fills a gap but is inadequate for what is required – both for room and safety,” he said.
“The local swimming pool and its facilities are in need of vital maintenance and upgrade. A much needed upgrade has been included for the shower, canteen and toilet facilities at the Walcha Oval and Captain Cook Park. And volunteer groups around town have long provided services, infrastructure and support to our community. A storage facility to keep their tools of trade safe, clean and in one spot is seen as an appreciation of what is contributed by their effort.”
Mr Noakes said he was grateful to everyone who had already shown support for these projects by writing or signing the Walcha Council petition and he encouraged others to do so as well.
“These petitions are still located at the Council office, or you can drop us a line,” he said.
“We will now pitch the projects to Kevin Anderson who facilitated the grant and use his support to back our proposals. There were other applications that had very solid cases, but Council felt that the ones I have listed had the best long term benefits for town and the community.”
Vanessa Arundale
Everyone has a story to tell and I like to help them do it.
Everyone has a story to tell and I like to help them do it.
