The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has tonight prompted Councillors to put a temporary hold on design and planning work for the Tamworth Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

A report tabled at tonight’s meeting revealed $2.6 million was needed to engage a lead designer to progress the project to the level of design detail needed to allow Council to seek funding from the NSW and Australian governments.

“Based on the high expenditure required to complete the 50% design of the facility, no short-term financial return on this investment and the economic strain on Council and the wider community in general as a result of COVID-19, it is recommended that the allocation of additional funds to this project be postponed,” the report said.

The project will now be considered for inclusion in Council’s 2021/2022 Annual Operating Plan.

Tamworth Region Mayor Col Murray said while temporarily pausing further spending on the project, Council remains “committed to delivering our community’s vision for a new aquatic and leisure centre”.

“It is the right move for now not hold off on further spending on this project because of the current economic volatility and uncertainty associated with COVID-19, he said. “We already know Council is expecting a $4 million loss in revenue to June 30, 2020.”

Cr Murray said the Tamworth community and Council have been talking about the development from a new aquatic facility for more than 20 years.

“We know the majority of the community want a modern aquatic facility they can use year-round and the high level of interest in the project means there is the momentum to make it happen,’ he said. “Council’s commitment to it is unchanged – we just need to take a pause for now in the interests of smart financial management due to the pandemic.”