Walgett Shire Council has revealed crucial timeframes on the construction of and the re-opening of Walgett pool.

Mayor Jason Ramien told the Western Plains App he expects that a new pool with new amenities will be completed within the next four years.

Last month, it was announced that Walgett will receive $250 000 from the NSW government for planning and design work to replace the aged Memorial Swimming Pool.

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper announced the funding on June 27, Council said it will put towards site assessment, options development, feasibility and business and funding planning for the new facility.

Image: Walgett Shire Council.

 Cr Ramien said he expects the existing site to be demolished but that would not impact the pool’s operation this summer.

“We will absolutely be open in time for Spring” he explained.

“We need to make sure we have a pool open and ready for people to use because we don’t kids swimming in murky creeks with logs and algae”.

 “A Win for Accountability”

Earlier this month, Walgett Shire Council held its extraordinary general meeting with both Cr Ramien and Deputy Mayor Colin Hundy saying the council passed an important vote to publicly release the fourth quarter budget figures even though they are not required to do so by law.

Colin Hundy. Image: Walgett Shire Council

“It’s a win for accountability” Cr Hundy told the Western Plains App.

“I think it shows council where we are heading and are on the right track,” Cr Ramien added.

“Between budgets things can get a little bit out of hand, a lot of councils don’t release this quarterly report because they are no longer required to. But to me its a good way of making sure things are kept in line”,

 Also at the meeting the council signalled its intent consider a new tariff for water supplied in bulk outside the urban water districtl.

However it rejected a request by the Lightning Ridge Olympic Pool Association Inc to have its $17,461 council fees waived.

“Council has a policy of providing rate relief to charities, but not to not-for-profit organisations."