Minister Barr: Stromlo Forest Park home to new $33 million pool for Weston Creek and Molonglo community
- Written by ACT Government
Released 12/05/2016
Joint Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Yvette Berry Media Release
The ACT Government today committed $33 million in the upcoming ACT Budget 2016/17 for a new 50 metre pool for the Weston Creek and Molonglo community, to be built at Stromlo Forest Park.
The announcement was part of the ACT Government’s Pop-up cabinet in Weston Creek and Molonglo, where ACT Ministers will visit local schools and government services.
Stromlo Forest Park is already a world-class, multi-use recreational sporting facility and I am pleased to announce that as part of the 2016 ACT Budget it is going to get even better. The 2016/17 ACT Budget will focus on our health, education, transport and social inclusion priorities – more nurses, more teachers, more transport options and more support for our most vulnerable. Early planning is already underway to identify the scope and services that will be offered at the new facility for Molonglo Valley and Weston Creek. The design will include the capacity for possible expansion and additional features to be added over time as the suburbs surrounding the Park continue to grow, and as funding is available. Construction is expected to commence in 2017, with completion in 2019.
Minister Berry said the inclusion of a pool will facilitate the Park’s evolution into a vibrant and unique sport and recreation precinct.
“Stromlo Forest Park already includes a range of community assets, and based on the feedback we received as part of the community consultation on the Park’s master plan, we know that a new pool is a very welcome addition,” Minister Berry said.
“For many years now residents of Weston Creek have been making the case for a pool nearby and we are delighted to announce that thanks to this year’s Budget a pool in the area is going to be a reality.”
In addition to announcing a new pool at the Park, today the government also released the final Stromlo Forest Park master plan following a community consultation period which commenced late last year.
- The final master plan is a vision for the popular park, which has attracted over 100,000 visits from people around Canberra and the region. The plan may be updated in the future as needs evolve and recreational trends change. Any upgrades are subject to future budget decisions.
Along with the final master plan map and written report, we have also released a consultation report and the ACT Government’s response to the main themes that were raised during the consultation period.
Community engagement on the updated master plan commenced in early December 2015 and concluded in February 2016. Seven written submissions and 744 online responses were received, which is a clear indication of the popularity of the Park, and the great deal of interest in its future.
While cycling, equestrian, running and walking will continue to be key activities within Stromlo Forest Park, it is also becoming an integral recreation resource for the residents of Molonglo. We believe the final master plan balances a range of new sport and recreation opportunities at the Park, while still being considerate of traditional user groups.
Stromlo pool is the first significant project that has been funded and will be delivered under the master plan and a range of additional projects have also been identified as possible future developments at the site. While not currently funded, tourist accommodation, an enclosed oval, district playing fields and a 12km road cycling circuit are all included in the final master plan and will be progressed and consulted on as funding becomes available.
The final master plan, consultation report and government response can be found at www.stromloforestpark.com.au
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
