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South Perth Aquatic Centre

Media Response 9 April 2015

Please attribute the following comments to City of South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty

I interviewed a group of South Perth/Como residents who say they want a South Perth Aquatic Centre due to the lack of aquatic facilities for young people. One woman says her children have to travel 30 minutes to Cannington to swim. What is the council's response?

The City of South Perth is currently undertaking a South Perth Aquatic Centre feasibility study. The purpose of the study is to determine whether an aquatic facility is required in South Perth. 

There are a number of aquatic facilities located in and around the City offering aquatic facilities, including:

Wesley College, South Perth
Aqualife, Town of Victoria Park
Cannington Leisureplex, City of Canning
Riverton Leisureplex, City of Canning
Belmont Oasis, City of Belmont
Leisurefit Booragoon, City of Melville
Beatty Park Leisure Centre, City of Vincent 

Federal Member for Swan, Steve Irons, says he has conducted an independent survey of constituents and there "identified it as a priority for the community" he also says he has discussed it with the City on numerous occasions and but was informed it "isn't in their 30-year vision." Mr Irons goes on to say the previous Mayor admitted there was a high level of community demand. What is Council's response to Mr Irons' comments? 
Council is aware of Mr Iron's survey and acknowledges the time and effort he has put towards achieving his desired outcome. Once the feasibility study is complete, the Council will be in a position to make an informed decision regarding the viability of establishing an aquatic facility within the City. 

In May 2011, previous Mayor James Best said, “As part of the intensive community consultation of the City's strategic plan, an aquatic centre wasn't included as part of the community's priorities.”

He then went on to acknowledge, “There are a number of terrific venues in and around the City that offer aquatic facilities.”

I understand the aquatic centre is on the agenda for the May meeting of council, what is the feeling among councillors about the need for an aquatic centre? 
Consultant Jill Powell and Associates were appointed by the City to conduct the feasibility study. The consultant is currently analysing the survey results to prepare a report outlining suggested management models, financial impacts (both capital and operational), lifecycle costings, projected usage figures, staging suggestions and indicative concept designs for consideration.

This report is due to be submitted to the City in May 2015. There is no benefit in speculation on feelings at this point in time.

Media contact

For media enquiries, please contact the City’s Communications Officer.

Media contact

For media enquiries, please contact the City’s Communications Officer.