Moree Plains Shire Council is making sure local kids still learn to swim while major works continue on the local pool.
Ongoing work at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) means local schools are unable to offer students the opportunity to access swimming lessons. The major works have taken considerably longer than planned, with water leakage under the old 50m pool making it impossible to build a replacement pool at the site. Council voted earlier this year to build a new pool at Taylor Oval while continuing with the major upgrade to the artesian baths and related facilities.
Council has announced the establishment of the Learn to Swim School Travel Support program, and eligible schools can now apply for funding to transport students to attend swimming lessons.
Council has approved the $30,000 program, which will facilitate transport for students from Moree to a public swimming facility within the Shire, where the students will participate in the NSW Department of Education’s School Swimming and Water Safety Program.
Mayor of Moree Plains Shire Council, Susannah Pearse, said the aim of the program was to ensure the children of Moree Plains Shire are safe in the water.
“Before the demolition of our 50m pool, young students who could not competently swim 50m had the opportunity to access swimming lessons as an intensive block at the MAAC,” said Mayor Pearse.
“Unfortunately, due to pool closures and delays, Moree schools have stopped offering this service, and we now have a vast number of local children who cannot swim.”
“This $30,000 program will facilitate school bus services to transport children to a pool within our shire for lessons, and we encourage all eligible schools to apply before the cut-off date of 24 October.”
Mayor Pearse said while the long-term future of Moree’s 50m pool is a Council priority, teaching children to swim was an issue that needed to be addressed now.
“It’s not ideal that children in Moree are unable to learn to swim at a pool closer to home, but until that is a reality, we need to take proactive steps to ensure this generation of kids are confident swimmers,” said Mayor Pearse.
“Swimming is a vital skill for everyone – it can save your life, is great exercise, and is a fun activity that brings great joy, particularly to children.”
To apply for funding, schools can download the application form on Council’s website.
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