Hope for future of Ararat Olympic Swimming Pool

Optimism has arisen after the 'Save Our Pool' cause received some high-profile support this week - in the form of the Liberal Party's candidate for Ripon, Louise Staley.

Ms Staley has launched a petition to lobby her prospective leader, Denis Napthine to provide funding for the redevelopment of the pool including a new kiosk and change rooms.

"The community and council have done a great job by committing to the funding of a large portion of the cost of redeveloping the pool," she said.

"Denis Napthine is from country Victoria and he knows the importance of community infrastructure like this, so I am confident he will listen to our community.

"This funding would help to deliver a modern complex that everyone could benefit from.

"The Ararat pool is an important part of our community. Not only does the facility encourage people to be active and healthy, it helps bring people together."

Ararat Olympic Swimming Pool Committee's Ambrose Cashin welcomed the development that Ms Staley has joined the campaign to complete the project.

"By being able to get the Liberals to look at providing the $350,000 funding for the change rooms and kiosk we would be able to fully fund it without any additional cost to the community," he said.

"If we are able to get this funding through the Liberal government, all the obstacles will be eroded and there will be nothing stopping us from getting it done.

"This is a magnificent turning point... if this comes to fruition then it means the project can and will go ahead there is no reason why it can be stopped."

Mr Cashin said the Pool Committee had been working closely with Ms Staley for a number of months urging her to get on board.

"The community's worked very hard in supporting it and now Louise can seen the benefits of it," he said.

"She has looked at the project pretty extensively and she sees the benefit not only to the swimmers, but to the whole community that will be able to utilise the multi-purpose change room and kiosk facility.

Ararat Olympic Swimming Pool Committee was dealt an undoubted blow last week when Department Environment Primary Industries (DEPI) rejected its request to assume Committee of Management status.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said the provision of intensive recreational infrastructure, like swimming pools, is the responsibility of local government.

"While I strongly support the involvement of the community in decision making and management of community facilities, I believe that local government should oversee such arrangements," he said.

Under section 86 of the Local Government Act 1989, Ararat Rural City Council could still appoint the Ararat Olympic Pool Committee to manage the pool on its behalf.

Alternatively, council may issue a lease under provisions of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 to the Ararat Olympic Pool Committee.

"The latter option is possible given council's existing status as a Committee of Management under that Act for the larger reserve within which the swimming pool is located," Mr Smith said.

"Consequently, I believe Ararat Rural City Council is best placed to oversee management of the pool in its role as Committee of Management for the larger reserve area.

"I encourage the Ararat Olympic Pool Committee to continue to work with council in determining how community expectations surrounding the future of the pool are best met."

Mr Cashin said he is hopeful ARCC will carefully consider the options before it and allow the Committee to manage the pool on its behalf.

"We just need to have talks with council and we are hoping to catch up with them next week and then finalise this project."

To join Ms Staley's campaign you can fill out the petition at www.louisestaley.com.au/AraratOutdoorPool.

"Together we can make a real difference, and secure the future of our pool," Ms Staley said.