The proposed sporting facility is planned to be located to the west of the Swimming Pool Complex, linking the pool and the new facility, and will extend to the edge of the Recreation Ground. The facility is also designed to provide toilets and change rooms for those using the Recreation Grounds.

Council is in the process of making an application to the Local Schools Working Together Project, backed by state and federal government, for funding for a new sporting facility.

The government funding available to 25 approved projects amounts to $62.5 million, with maximum funding of $2.5 million per approved project.

General manager of Oberon Council, Bruce Fitzpatrick said the driving force behind the project was building a facility that the local schools could be involved in and utilise.

Mr Fitzpatrick said a meeting has already been held with the principals of all Oberon schools and the principals were supportive of the project.

Conceptual plans have been drawn up by an architect for the $3.8 million sporting facility which, in addition to the facilities already in the pool complex, include a double basketball stadium which can also be used for netball, indoor hockey, soccer and cricket, a small gym, storage areas, additional change rooms and toilet facilities, and a cafe.

The facility also includes three activity rooms, the largest of which is 212 square metres, which can be used for activities such as senior exercise groups, dance classes and aerobics.

“The stadium and activity rooms could also be used for functions,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

At this stage, covering the swimming pool is planned to occur later in the process, but the architect has suggested some innovative ways of covering the pool in the meantime, such as purchasing and assembling some high sail coverings to assist as a wind barrier.

The temperature of the pool may also be increased from 28 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius.

Many sporting groups and organisations have already been sent letters by the Oberon Council seeking their opinion about the new facility, and these responses are required to be returned to Council by September 5.

Any sporting groups wishing to show their support of the proposed facility can contact Sharon Swannell at Oberon Council for more information. The application for funding will be lodged at the end of September.