The battle to make the dream of a world-class aquatic centre in Tamworth is continuing the Labor Government ruled out providing the additional funds necessary to build the new pool.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson went into bat for more funding after Tamworth Regional Council announced a funding shortfall of $12m in June, contacting the Premier and requesting he intervene and provide the funds needed.

“The Tamworth community have been fighting for a heated, indoor public pool for more than 30 years,” Mr Anderson said.

“That’s why I went in to fight for the original $15 million grant from the former state government - the only grant of its kind awarded outside of Sydney.

“Since that time, I’ve been keen to see construction start on the new pool, but delays in funding from the Federal Government meant that prices increased significantly and the original budget of $45m has blown out.

“When council said they would need an additional $12 million to get the project off the starting blocks, I immediately contacted the Premier and asked the government to work with council on a solution to the problem.”

Mr Anderson has now received a reply from the Minister for Sport. In that reply, the Minister stated that “there are no grant programs that currently are open for applications that can assist with this request.”

“It’s deeply disappointing that the Labor Government refuse to match the commitment made by the former Coalition Government,” Mr Anderson added.

“Our swimmers deserve the very best facilities to help them achieve their sporting goals. Labor should be supporting them.

“I won’t be taking this lying down. The government’s first response may be a no, but I’ll continue pushing because this generational project is too important to let slip.”