Media Release
Monday 20 March 2017
Study identifies learn-to-swim facility needed
The Aquatic Facility Needs Analysis Study was the topic of a recent meeting between Minister Lauren Moss’s Adviser for Sport and Recreation, Stephen Nugent and Council to advocate for a new pool.
The Study identified approximately 11,500 residents in the Litchfield community are not within an acceptable distance from a swimming facility and are missing out on the opportunity to use a learn to swim facility.
Litchfield Council Mayor Maree Bredhauer said this Study has, for the first time, clearly identified we need a 25-metre learn to swim facility located south of Freds Pass.
“The Study examined our forecast growth and the needs of our schools and other community organisations for an aquatic facility, which would also add to the attraction of living in the rural area” the Mayor said.
Council will continue to work with the Northern Territory Government and complete some further work to look at options available to address this gap.
The Study also considered aquatic and leisure facilities usage trends, including benchmarking the costs of operating pool facilities such as the Palmerston and Katherine pool.
In receiving the Study report, Council said it also supports the education department in encouraging schools to provide learn to swim programs as part of their curriculum.
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