Dubbo mayor Ben Shields said there had been significant interest in expanding the facilities at Dubbo pool for many years.

“The recent temporary closure of the RSL pool has heightened the interest for an alternative and through the consultation on the Annual Operational Plan and Budget the community has voiced opinions that Council should be looking at providing such a facility,” he said.

“As a result, I will be asking councillors to support a motion seeking the option of an indoor pool and other water attractions to be included in a Master Plan for the Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre.”

Improvements to the aquatic centre could include an indoor pool or extra recreational ‘thrill’ attractions.

“I also see it as vital that discussions take place with the RSL as part of the planning and consultation for the project.  This is to ensure that both organisations are able to work together to enhance the city’s overall aquatic facilities,” Cr Shields said.

“Council will also need to prepare a business case to ascertain the construction and ongoing expenses in order to seek external funding or allocate council funding to such a project.”

Cr Shields will introduce a Mayoral Minute on the proposed pool work at the June Council Meeting on Monday, June 25.

Council is currently in the process of improving Wellington Pool. Tenders will be accepted in August and council hopes to have it completed by October 2019.