Construction of the Batemans Bay Aquatic, Arts and Leisure Centre has officially begun, with a sod-turning ceremony marking the occasion on Friday.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Bega MP Andrew Constance, Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips and Senator Hollie Hughes, along with representatives from construction company ADCO Constructions joined Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes.
Fiona Phillips MP said of the event:
"I know how long our Batemans Bay community has been fighting for a new pool. Today, I was delighted to officially see construction start on the new Batemans Bay Regional Aquatic, Arts and Leisure Centre"
Due for completion in early 2022, the multi-million dollar facility will replace the existing outdoor Batemans Bay Pool with an indoor multi-pool aquatic centre, complete with four water slides and internal and external water play, as well as meeting spaces, gymnasium and a 350-seat theatre, all joined by a gallery walk that will also house visitor information and a café.
Above ADCO senior personnel attended Friday’s sod turning event pictured here with Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips
ADCO Senior Project Manager Nick Lyons said the company was excited to get started on the project.
“The first stage of work will be the demolition of the existing pool and buildings, expected in the first half of October,” he said.
“We will be using local subcontractors and suppliers where possible and employing a number of local people as well.”
Mr Lyons said the company recently held two information days – one in Canberra and one in Batemans Bay – for prospective contractors.
“We typically try to use local employees, subcontractors and suppliers in regional projects for their local knowledge and for the benefit of the community,” he said.
Above: The official sod-turning (Left to right) Senator Hollie Hughes, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Federal member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, Member for Bega Andrew Constance, and Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes. The Member for Gilmore happily sharing her shovel with the Deputy PM for the occasion.
Senator Hollie Hughes, Liberal Senator for NSW, posted after the event "Excited to turn the first sod on a multi use sport and cultural centre in Bateman’s Bay - Mackay Park..... Attracting professional/amateur sporting events, the new precinct will be an economic game changer."
Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes said it was an exciting day for Batemans Bay and the region.
“After many years of hard work and anticipation, it’s thrilling to see this project finally start. It really does show we are confident in ourselves and our future, and that the state and federal governments share that confidence.
“My personal thanks go to the sunset committee, and to the broader community who have worked towards this goal for more than twenty years.
“It’s so important too that local businesses and people are benefiting from the project. This will be a much-needed boost to our local economy during this difficult time.”
For more information about the project visit www.esc.nsw.gov.au/mackaypark or for trade enquiries email batemansbayproject@adcoconstruct.com.au
