Lismore City councillors have been told it would cost at least $2,2 million to reopen the Lismore Lake Pool and a further $123,308 per annum to keep it operating.
Following a decision in July last year to investigate re-opening the pool, the council set aside $55,000 in the 2016/17 budget to undertake detailed planning and investigations, prepare documentation and call tenders for the work.
But after the first of two briefings at the council chambers last night, Lismore mayor Isaac Smith said the costs were ‘double what we thought they would be’.
‘It’s not off the agenda because we are here to implement what the community wants,’ Cr Smith told Echonetdaily.
‘But it’s not in our priority planning. Lismore Park, Albert Park, Oakes Oval and the Rail Trail, are our top priorities.’
Cr Smith said given the high costs, attracting funding from the state government would be the priority.
Meanwhile, supporters of the Lake Pool will be meeting at the South Lismore Bowling Club on 5 April to discuss the matter further.
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