The upgrade, comprising a resurfacing and repainting of the pool’s walls, will be jointly funded between Upper Lachlan Shire Council and the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Program.

The Stronger Communities Program will provide $15,000 towards the $40,000 project, with Upper Lachlan Shire Council to fund the balance. The 33m long pool, which was constructed in 1958, will receive an overhaul to address leaking, along with a cosmetic touch up.

Upper Lachlan Shire Mayor John Shaw said the Pool was a very popular attraction for locals.

“Over recent years, we’ve averaged in excess of 11,000 visitors during a season, so we recognise that the pool is an important community facility,” Cr Shaw said.

“However, as the structure has neared 60 years old, the pool has started leaking. The concrete in the internal part of the pool has cracked and in some places begun to lift. The repair work will include resurfacing the pool walls, and giving them a lick of paint as well.

“We will aim to begin the work in September/October this year, and have the pool reopen in time for the 2016/17 season, which begins in November.”

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor congratulated Upper Lachlan Shire Council on successfully applying for the Stronger Communities Programme funding.

“The aim of the Stronger Communities Programme is to improve community participation through the funding of a small capital project,” Mr Taylor said. “Upper Lachlan Shire Council put forward a detailed application and a compelling case that will deliver a strong social benefit.

“I am pleased to announce that total funding of up to $15,000 has been approved under Round 1 of the Stronger Communities Programme, which will fund about a third of the total pool upgrade costs.”

Federal funding grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 for small capital projects are available under Round 2 of the Stronger Communities Programme. Mr Taylor said expressions of interest (EOI) were open until 5pm on Wednesday 9 March and should include a completed EOI form which could be found on: www.angustaylor.com.au/media/media-releases/calling-interest-stronger-communities-round-2

IT BEGAN as a vision from local teenagers five years ago, and now, construction is well underway on the Gunning skate park.

The plans include a professionally designed and constructed 300m2 skate park, ramp access from Copeland St, seating, renewed fencing and safety signs. When completed, the park will be the perfect spot for skateboarding, BMX riding, scootering and rollerblading.

Upper Lachlan Shire Mayor John Shaw said that the Gunning skate park was a community-driven initiative, and one that Council was very happy to get behind.

“Five years ago, local boys Guy Southwell, Leigh Hickey, Harry Morris and Marty Smith approached Council with the idea of a skate park for Gunning. They came to us with a petition, which reinforced the community’s enthusiasm for this facility,” Cr Shaw said.

“Because of these boys’ efforts and vision, along with the very generous support and fundraising of the Gunning community, this skate park is very quickly becoming a reality.

“It’s always pleasing when community-initiated projects such as these are successful, but this would not have been possible without the significant funding assistance from the Veolia Mulwaree Trust and the Community Building Partnership program.”

The Gunning community, along with the Gunning Lions Club and the Gunning Showground Committee, managed to raise $5,871.85 towards the project. This, combined with $90,004 from the Veolia Mulwaree Trust and a Community Building Partnership grant of $15,000, and Council’s own funding contribution, has helped make the skate park a reality.

“Both council and the Gunning community are indebted to the Veolia Mulwaree Trust for their matching grant, and to the NSW Government for their Community Building Partnerships grant,” Cr Shaw said.

“I know there are a lot of local kids in the Gunning area who are very excited about this skate park opening, and I look forward to seeing some of them in action in coming years.”

The Gunning skate park is being constructed by Oasis Skate Parks, with completion due in May 2016.