A new 25 metre indoor eight lane pool, grandstand seating, infant’s pool, steam room, gymnasium, change rooms and a cafe are all part of the exciting $14 million upgrade of the Devonport Aquatic Centre.
The Centre will open in summer this year, delivering on the Federal Labor Government's election promise to fund the important project.
Minister for Regional Development Anthony Albanese and Federal Member for Braddon Sid Sidebottom toured the construction site today to inspect the progress of work.
The Federal Labor Government provided funding of $5 million through its Community Infrastructure Program to make this project a reality with the remaining funding provided by the State Government and Devonport City Council.
“The Devonport Aquatic Centre is one of the most exciting capital works projects being undertaken in this region. When the centre opens this summer, it will cater for more than 60,000 people every year, ensuring residents, visitors and tourists spend more time in Devonport and surrounding areas,” Mr Albanese said.
"Sport brings people together and I’m sure that the Devonport Aquatic Centre will be a hub for sporting and social activity for many years to come."
Mr Sidebottom said that investing in infrastructure creates jobs across a wide range of professions and trades which is good for our local economy.
"Around 120 jobs have been created during the construction phase of the project and a further 15 permanent jobs will be created once the facility opens," he said.
"Under Labor, the North West and West Coast of Tasmania have seen an investment of over $300 million to repair and upgrade our roads, ports, freight and heritage rail as well as build great community facilities like this pool here in Devonport.”
“My focus is to ensure that this job-creating investment continues in our region and I have and will strongly advocate to Minister Albanese the importance of the Prime Minister’s Tasmanian Jobs Plan.”