Regional pool funding increases

There's been good news for pools and water playgrounds in regional WA today, with the State Government announcing regional local governments can now apply for grants of up to $32,000, up from $30,000 last year, to upgrade, maintain and better equip their local pools.

The grants are part of the Community Pools Revitalisation Program, which was launched last year and saw 91 pools and four water playgrounds receive more than $2.7 million in funding.

Minister for Sport and Recreation, Mia Davies, says "The role country swimming pools play in strengthening local communities cannot be underestimated.  Not only are they great places for people to get active but they are important hubs for people to gather and feel a sense of community and belonging."

Royal Life Saving WA has developed an investment framework to assist regional pools complete the online application for the funding.  CEO Peter Leaversuch says "We see this as an important opportunity to strengthen the role regional pools play in spreading our important message on drowning prevention, and expanding the reach of our water safety programs including Swim & Survive, Keep Watch and lifeguard training."

The funding has been made possible thanks to $13.2 million over four years from the State Government's Royalties for Regions program.  Regional Development Minister Terry Redman says "Aquatic infrastructure and services contribute to creating sustainable regional communities."  The grants can be spent on improvements such as flood lighting, heating, swim instructor training, the purchase of pool equipment or maintenance on the facility.