A NEW indoor fitness centre will be built in Oberon following a $500,000 grant from the NSW Government.
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The money has been provided to Oberon Council through the government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF), along with $150,000 to upgrade Oberon Pool with the aim of allowing year-round swimming.
Bathurst MP Paul Toole said the need for an indoor fitness centre, to be built on the western side of the pool complex, had been well documented due to Oberon’s high altitude cool climate and the large number of shift workers in the area.
“An indoor, all-weather indoor fitness centre is a much needed facility that will address the needs for people of all ages in the local community,” Mr Toole said.
“The indoor fitness centre will provide a fitness facility for the community who currently have limited fitness and recreational opportunities.”
Mr Toole said the fitness centre would feature a fully enclosed front half including an air-conditioned gym space, amenities and office facilities.
“The rear half will be partially enclosed and have solid walls and a retractable blind system that can be closed for wind protection,” Mr Toole said.
“This rear space will have a half-sized basketball court that can be used for outdoor fitness activities and a direct link to the gymnasium via a roller shutter.”
In addition, a project to partially enclose the Oberon Pool complex will continue moves to extend the swimming season.
“This stage will see translucent louvres installed in order to partially enclose the north-eastern corner and southern side of the roof to allow sun exposure while restricting cool winds from entering the pool area,” Mr Toole said.
“New, more efficient pool blankets will help maintain water temperatures and help ensure the pool complex remains more user friendly for patrons.”
Statistics show that about 30 per cent of Oberon’s population of 5301 people use the pool for recreation and as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“The pool is used by people of all ages, for swimming classes, by the schools for their swimming programs, seniors for aquarobic classes and by families for recreation and fitness,” he said.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the roll-out of the second round projects takes Stronger Country Communities funding to $300 million.
“The Regional Growth is employing local tradies, putting local suppliers to work and providing the right environment to operate regional businesses,” he said.
