Oatlands swimming after 10-year campaign

A NEW indoor public swimming pool is planned for regional Tasmania.

The $5 million heated pool will be built at Oatlands to replace the town’s old rundown outdoor pool.

Southern Midlands mayor Tony Bisdee said it would be a great year-round asset for the region.

“This will be the only indoor public pool between Hobart and Launceston,” he said.

“It will be great for learnto-swim lessons and important as a hydrotherapy pool,” he said.

The State Government has allocated $2 million in its Budget for the pool, while the Federal Government has provided $1.5 million.

The remaining $1.5 million needed will come from the Southern Midlands Council.

Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding said the funding followed years of lobbying from the community.

“This is a great result for everyone in the local community after more than 10 years of lobbying to replace the old, rundown swimming pool,” Mr Hidding said.

“The new pool will allow year-round access and will not only benefit the Oatlands community, but will also attract visitors from other regions who will then spend money in shops and eateries in the Oatlands district.”

Councillor Bisdee said work on the pool would start next year and it should be completed by the following year.