Plans for swimming pool at Arena Joondalup on track

2/5/97

Plans to build an Olympic-size swimming pool at Arena Joondalup are still on track.

Sport and Recreation Minister Norman Moore has told the Wanneroo Times that money had been earmarked for the pool in the State Government's forward estimates.

He said he was pleased to see that the Wanneroo City Council had set aside $3 million for an aquatic leisure centre, including such facilities as water slides, to complement the Olympic pool.

One of the next steps now was for the council, State Government, the Sports Centre Trust, which manages both Arena Joondalup and Challenge Stadium, and the WA Swimming Association to get together for further talks on the project.

"I and my officers are keen to see a pool at Arena Joondalup," Mr Moore said.

"There is a lack of water space in the Joondalup area which has forced local clubs to turn potential members away.

"Elite athletes have to travel to Challenge Stadium to train."

Mr Moore said that Government planning for the pool took into consideration a regional population growth forecast from its present 215,000 to more than 500,000 people by the next century.

Arena Joondalup already catered for football, soccer, hockey, basketball, tennis, gymnastics and aerobics together with a function centre and bistro facilities.

Media contact: Hartley Joynt 321 1444