Regional pool users across Western Australia will benefit from funding for safety and training through the Royalties for Regions-funded Community Pool Revitalisation Program (CPRP).
The Nationals WA Member for Mining and Pastoral Dave Grills said $176,272 would go to Leisure Institute of Western Australia Aquatics initiatives to improve pool safety and training across WA.
“This funding will assist 100 pool lifeguards from across regional WA to requalify and will facilitate the purchase of 95 lifesaving mannequins for in-house and community training,” Mr Grills said.
He said the funding would also deliver audits of regional pools to achieve Waterwise specification and 10 scholarships to regional female industry participants to undertake pool operations training.
The CPRP is funded through the Royalties for Regions program and gives grants to eligible local government authorities to assist with the maintenance and upgrade of their aquatic centre facilities, with $13.2 million provided over four years.
“The Community Pool Revitalisation Program was an election commitment made by The Nationals WA at the 2013 election and demonstrates our commitment to safe and well-maintained aquatic facilities in regional towns,” Mr Grills said.
“Aquatic centres across regional WA often serve as a hub for local community life and are important for recreation, learning and exercise.
“Especially in regional Western Australia, pools often form the social centre of many towns and communities.”
Nationals WA Candidate for the Kimberley Rob Houston said pools played an integral part in daily life given the climatic conditions in the region.
“Funding to improve services and facilities at community pools always have a positive impact in the Kimberley region where pools are popular places to socialise, play sport, keep fit and for people to cool off after work,” Mr Houston said.
In 2016, the Community Pool Revitalisation Program delivered $2,923,728 in funding to 91 pools and four water playgrounds.
Eligible regional local governments can apply for up to $32,000 towards pool upgrades, maintenance, equipment, staff development or a reduction of pool entry costs. The money can also be put towards a capital project.
For more information, visit http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/funding/regional/community-pools-revitalisation-program
For media enquiries contact Dave Grills MLC on (08) 90711 500 or email dave.grills@mp.wa.gov.au.
