Hay Shire Council have updated the public on the construction works at the John Houston Memorial Pool.

The John Houston Memorial Pool rebuilding will take place from Monday March 3 to Wednesday December 3, 2025.

Hours of work are 7:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday and 7:30am to 2:30pm on Saturdays.

There will be activity on the site on Sunday night of March 2, as Council staff prepares the site for the contractor to commence.

Hay Shire Council apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

As reported previously by Tertia Butcher of The Riverine Grazier in January,

https://www.thegrazier.com.au/news/debt-free-pool-8m-hay-pool-replacement-project-fully-funded

The replacement pool and facilities at the John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool will be constructed free of debt to Council and at minimal cost to ratepayers.

The $8.067 million project received a further boost of $4.191 million last week following Council’s successful funding application under Round 2 of the Growing Regions Program.

Council previously received State funding of $3 million for the project which has to be spent in the first half of 2025, and needed matching funding.

A grant application last year under Growing Regions Program was unsuccessful and Council made the difficult decision to apply for a TCORP (NSW Treasury Corporation)) loan for the remaining $4.191 million while working on other grant applications.

Not all councillors were comfortable with the large amount of debt, but General Manager David Webb warned that the pool was old, could no longer be patched up and was ready for catastrophic failure any time.

Acting General Manager, Mark Dowling told The Riverine Grazier last week’s announcement was great news for Hay.

“It means Council does not have to take up the TCORP loan which was always going to be a bit of a challenge for a Council our size,” Mr Dowling said.

Mayor Carol Oataway echoes Mr Dowling’s words and said this was an exciting announcement for Hay Shire Council and the community. 

“Securing $4.191 million from the Growing Regions Program Round 2 ensures we can deliver a first-class aquatic facility that our residents deserve, replacing our ageing 60-year-old pool complex,” Cr Oataway added.

“Most importantly, this funding means we can achieve this project debt-free, safeguarding the financial future of our Shire.

“I would like to acknowledge the team effort from Council staff in obtaining this grant, in particular the General Manager, David Webb, who put in countless hours to ensure we had the best possible application on the table. 

“This is an investment in the future of Hay."