ON 4 August, the Federal Member for Lyne, Dr David Gillespie, announced that the Federal Government will inject $300,000 into a total of $700,000 to upgrade the popular 25 metre public swimming pool before summer.

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The two-stage project will also need to be funded by the MidCoast Council.

Stage One will improve access to the pool and upgrade the amenities to ensure they are compliant with disabled access requirements.

Stage Two will provide disabled access into the pool for swimming.

“This is a very important project for the aged and disabled in Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, who currently struggle to enter the pool site through a turnstile,” Dr Gillespie, stated to locals attending the pool for the announcement.

MidCoast Council Mayor, David West, added that ensuring access to all was a priority and he was pleased to see work starting at Tea Gardens pool.

“These are projects that the council has long had a vision to deliver for our community and thanks to the Australian Government and the work by David Gillespie we can now make them a reality,” Cr West said.

Dr Gillespie emphasised that the upgrade and other similar projects play an important role in improving local infrastructure, creating local jobs and supporting our regions post-COVID recovery.

The pool has been a much used sport and recreational facility since approved for construction in 1977, supported by local fund raising.

Locals continue to lobby for other important upgrades including heating, improved clean amenities with hot showers, and additional sun protection.

The pool is used for swimming lessons, school swimming carnivals, hydrotherapy, aqua aerobics as well as being home for the Myall Masters and TG/HN Amateur Swimming Clubs.

The pool is generally open from September to April, although with COVID check updates on the MidCoast Council Tea Gardens Swimming Pool website.

By Sandra MURRAY