Six swimming pools and four sporting facilities located across the Warrumbungle Shire will benefit from an influx of funding.

A $511,476 grant from Round Five of the Stronger Country Communities Fund was announced on Friday 20 January with the money to be shared among multiple swimming precincts as the council strives to maintain facilities in towns and villages across the shire.

The grant will deliver much-needed upgrades to pool shells, roofing, electrics, piping, pumps, and plant systems across Baradine, Binnaway, Coolah, Coonabarabran, Dunedoo and Mendooran pools.

While the investment has been warmly welcomed, some locals are wondering just how far the funds can stretch.

Andrew Freebairn, one of the five volunteer coaches at the Coonabarabran Swimming Club hopes the funding will go towards safety upgrades for the pool.

"The Coonabarabran Swimming pool was built in 1953, and is reaching its 70th year anniversary. Being an older pool, it needs a lot of upgrades to remain open and functioning," Mr Freebairn said.

"The Coonabarabran Swimming pool poses huge safety issues for locals who use the pool including the 35 swimming club members, the elderly aqua aerobics group and other locals who use the pool throughout the hot summer season.

"The tiles and cement are constantly cracked and perspexed, the glass lights are broken, the pump at the pool continues to break and more. Any upgrades to the pool are needed and this grant money is a small start," Mr Freebairn said.

"Having a swimming pool in a small town is very important. It can be used for competitive or casual use. Swimming has huge health benefits and anyone at any age can participate. I am hopeful that the funding will go towards making the pool safe and accessible for more locals to use."

ABOVE: The Coonabarabran aqua aerobics team are just one of the groups that utilise the pool throughout the summer season. PHOTO: Coonabarabran Aqua Aerobics Facebook.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole says the funding has come at a perfect time as the temperature continues to rise.

“We know how important it is for locals to have access to safe, well maintained pool facilities so they can make the most of the summer months with friends and family,” Mr Toole said.

“It’s a great win for local swimmers whose sole focus can now be on bettering their lap times or beating the heat," he said.

An additional $430,892 is also being invested by NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to improving amenities across the shire's sporting facilities.

Mr Toole recognises that sport plays an important role for many small communities across the Central West.

“We know these sporting grounds are the beating heart of the Warrumbungle Shire. This is an investment in the hundreds of players, volunteers and spectators that use these facilities every week and in the next generation of local sporting talent,” Mr Toole said.

“The funding will include upgrading showers and changerooms, constructing storage areas for equipment, building shelters to improve amenity for people at games, adding extra seating, and upgrading scoreboards and safety fencing around the Shire," he said.

ABOVE: The Baradine Memorial Pool is also included in the allocated funding, PHOTO: Warrumbungle Shire Council.

Warrumbungle Shire Mayor Ambrose Doolan said the upgrades to various sporting facilities across the entirety of the shire are welcome news for the community.

"Our community needs access to recreational, community and cultural facilities and inclusive services that cater to all residents and we are fortunate that our rural setting provides the opportunity to play in and explore the natural environment while also enjoying access to a range of recreational pursuits," Cr Doolan said.

"Upgrading our pools and sporting facilities is timely and a great opportunity to ensure these venues meet the needs of our community now and into the future," he said.