$ 4.5 million renewal to put community in the swim

COUNCIL has dipped into its budget and will spend $ 4.5 million renewing and repairing one of Townsville’s most popular public pools.

Speaking outside the ageing Tobruk Memorial Baths yesterday after handing down the Townsville City Council 2018- 19 Budget, Mayor Jenny Hill said it was part of a record $ 432.5 million infrastructure spend.

“This is one of the facilities that will benefit from this year’s record capital spend,” she said.

“Much of it is about revitalising and renewing many of Townsville’s ageing assets.”

The pool was constructed between 1941 and 1950 by Townsville City Council War II.

Ms Hill said it was Townsville’s first public pool and the place of “many fond memories”.

Cr Ann- Maree Greaney, who represents Division 3 in Townsville, said the baths was the “grand dame” of swimming pools in Townsville.

“It harks back, it has so much his- as a memorial to World tory from Olympic teams swimming here over a number of years.

“It’s a great win for the Tobruk pool and I look forward to when ( the works) are completed.”

The works are expected be completed by December next year.

Cr Greaney called for patience from the community during the building and renovation works.