Echo News Echo News
By Sally McGlew
SWAN Hills Liberal candidate Rod Henderson says the Ellenbrook community have missed out on a pool.
Mr Henderson said the WA Liberals would provide an additional $9 million to ensure the Ellenbrook Aquatic Centre is funded by the State, with Pearce Liberal MP Christian Porter promising $25m from the Federal Government.
The State Government committed $7 million to the aquatic centre project in 2020, with the pool expected to cost $58 million.
Mr Henderson said the McGowan Government had not committed to their full share of funding for the project, and the short fall would mean City of Swan ratepayers would need to fund the difference.
However, Swan Hills Labor MLA Jessica Shaw said the project was already well-underway.
“I represented Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray for the sod-turning on the project last year, when the forward works were completed,” she said.
Ms Shaw said the site was cleared and the pool areas excavated so that work could begin on site in 2021.
“The City of Swan went with an EOI for the construction contract in November 2020.
“Shortlisted contractors will be invited to tender in February 2021 with construction to commence July 2021,” she said.
Mr Henderson said it was important to make great facilities accessible to everyone in the community and the pool should have been built a long time ago.
“That’s why I’ve fought hard to make sure that the state component of the Aquatic Centre is delivered,” he said.
“The State needs to put in the whole amount rather than shift taxes to the ratepayer.”
Mr Henderson is also a current City of Swan councillor.
