Learning to swim at Glen Dhu Pool has been a right of passage for thousands of Tasmanians since it opened in 1968 and one such person who learnt to swim there is Premier Peter Gutwein.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
However, it was closed last year due to COVID-19 and has not reopened. Labor candidate for Windermere, Geoff Lyons, first raised concerns about it last month.
The Liberal Party is promising $1.5 million, if elected, to upgrade, reopen and enclose the pool for year-round use, with a new heating system, roof/enclosed area, other upgrades and a masterplan promised.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Mr Gutwein said he learnt to swim there in the 1970s and he remembered the coldness of the pool during autumn.
"Generations of Northern Tasmanian students have learnt to swim [here] since it opened," he said.
"As an outdoor pool, the pool's use has been limited to the summer months and at over 50 years old, it's also in need of a major overhaul to fix ageing infrastructure.
"Currently, [it] is only able to be utilised in Term 1 and Term 4 each year by Tasmanian public school students taking part in swimming and water safety lessons, meaning it is closed for half of the year."
The Liberal Leader promised the party would enclose the pool by the end of 2023.
"[We] will consult with the school communities who utilise Glen Dhu Pool to develop a masterplan to modernise the facility and ensure it is able to meet the needs of future generations," he said.
"Swimming and water safety are important skills for every child, and our commitment ... means this much-loved facility will continue to play an important role."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
- Follow us on Google News: The Examiner