For longtime advocate and pool user Jenny Bailey, the announcement for the proposed therapy facility represented the council hearing the community.  

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“It is absolutely wonderful for the community. There are so many people who are unable to make use of the hospital’s pool because of the strict criteria,” Ms Bailey said.

“I’m aware of people coming as far as Glen Innes and Guyra to use the facility.”

The proposed project would see an 162 square metre indoor heated facility built at Monckton Aquatic Centre.

Armidale Regional Council mayor Simon Murray said the new hydrotherapy pool was top of the agenda for the council.

“The provision of an indoor hydrotherapy pool that is easily accessible to the Armidale region community has been a high priority for a number of years,” Cr Murray said.

“It also topped the list when council consulted with the community about the best projects for funding through the state government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

“As a result, the hydrotherapy pool was the first priority when Council made its submission for funding through Round 2 of the program.”

The indoor pool, which will be located at Monckton Aquatic Centre, has a price tag of nearly $1.5 million.

Council will apply for nearly $1.1 million under the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Funding program.

“The facility would be a fantastic asset to protect and enhance the health and wellbeing of our community, providing exercise opportunities for seniors and people in the community who require exercise for rehabilitation and mobility,” Cr Murray added.

“A state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool would also be an additional asset to attract people to our area.”