Marion Pool

4 April 2006

Announcing the $15m funding with Federal Minister for Finance, SA Senator Nick Minchin

Our electorate is set to gain an international standard aquatic centre!

The exciting new facility has been made possible with the Federal Government committing $15 million towards the project.

I was extremely proud to jointly announce the funding at the site with the Minister for Finance and Administration, South Australian Senator Nick Minchin. (4 April 2006)

The starter’s gun for the project was hinging on Federal Government funding.

I have been lobbying the Treasurer, Finance Minister and Sports Minister to back the project. All the hard work by many people has paid off.

The $15 million will form a vital part of a funding package being put together by the City of Marion on the Domain site near Westfield Marion.

This will be a great centre, not just for South Australia, but for southern Adelaide as well.

The predicted 400 construction jobs will provide new opportunities in an area hit by downsizing at Mitsubishi and Port Stanvac.

With completion of the exciting new facility, South Australians will be able to see their Olympic and Commonwealth Games swimming champions.

Perhaps it may even lead to Adelaide mounting a fresh challenge to host a Commonwealth Games!

Details of the project

According to the Federal Government Budget Submission presented by the City of Marion, the new South Australian State Aquatic Centre will feature:

• A FINA (Federation Internationale De Natation) compliant, 10 lane 50 metre competition pool and a second pool for event and a second pool for event warm up and down
• Full diving and water polo facilities including dive tower and equipment
• Spectator seating for up to 1,000 spectators at all times, with capacity to increase spectator seating for major events
• Dry land training facilities and gymnasium
• Medical, drug testing, change room, kiosk and crèche facilities
• Media room facilities
• Offices and space for event organisation, sports administration and coaching
• Sauna / Spa
• Car parking provisions

Celebrating the funding announcement with City of Marion mayor Felicity-ann Lewis, former Olympic swimmer,  Phil Rogers and Marion CEO, Mark Searle.

The proposal allows for the private partners to create a range of leisure water activities and opportunities for new retail and commercial businesses on the site. These may include:

• Water play
• Gymnasium
• Health spa
• Health & Recreation
• Associated commercial / retail
• Complementary sports facilities e.g. squash

The City of Marion’s Budget Submission can be found at: www.marion.sa.gov.au