Carol Oataway, mayor of Hay's January update

Senator Deborah O’Neill recently visited Hay to announce that Hay Shire Council has secured $4.191 million in funding under the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program - Round 2 to build a new, state-of-the-art aquatic facility that will serve our community for generations to come.

This funding, combined with a $3 million contribution from the State Government, means that we can now deliver a first-class swimming complex—one worthy of hosting regional carnivals and one that continues the vision of John Houston in providing the residents of Hay with a safe place to swim, free of charge.

Our previous pool, now 60 years old, has served us well but was desperately in need of replacement.

Thanks to extensive community consultation and input from the Hay Amateur Swimming Club and users of the pool, a Masterplan was drawn up to ensure the new facility met the needs of our residents.

Stage 1, completed in 2021, was the Splash Park providing a great place to cool off. 

Stage 3, completed in 2022, delivered a modern amenity building, clubroom, and kiosk. Now, with this additional funding, we can proceed with Stage 4, which includes:

• A new Olympic-standard, 8-lane, 50m pool
• A 15m Learn to Swim pool
• A Toddler’s pool with a walk-in beach entry
• A new pool filtration system
• Social inclusion and recreation areas

I would like to acknowledge the countless hours of work from our dedicated Council staff, who put together a strong, competitive grant application in what was a rigorous assessment process. Their efforts have paid off, and Hay will reap the rewards.

The John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool will close early on March 2, following the school swimming carnivals. Construction will be by ELM Aquatics and is planned to be completed by the end of 2025.