THE push to build a $10 million indoor sporting complex with a pool and basketball courts in Yarrawonga within the next three years is expected to gather pace at a public meeting next month.
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A recently incorporated body called Yarrawonga Aquatic and Recreation Club has identified land within Victoria Park for the facility it claims is needed for a town with the strongest population growth in Moira Shire.
The club's research has revealed Yarrawonga residents already travel to Wangaratta and Barooga for access to aquatic facilities for hydrotherapy, learn to swim and training purposes.
The town's basketball facilities are also in need of an upgrade.
A survey completed by more than 1300 people last year revealed strong support for the proposal.
Yarrawonga-Mulwala swimming and basketball clubs are behind the push along with Rotary.
Dario Prighel is treasurer of YARC which has called the public meeting in the Yarrawonga Town Hall on February 8.
"There are a lot of people right behind the idea," he said.
"It is going to be hard for council to say it's not viable.
"The trick will be getting the grants."
In a small boost, the Labor Government announced Moira Shire had been the recipient of a $30,000 grant on Friday to develop a strategic approach for future indoor aquatic facilities.
A presentation was made to Moira Shire by the YARC executive late last year, but the project was put on hold as elections were being held.
"No one was prepared to commit to it back then," Mr Prighel said.
"But council is being invited to the public meeting where we want to show them the community is right behind this to the point they are willing to be signed-up financial members."
The club is offering $10 membership fees to cover administrative costs during an anticipated three-year battle to secure funding to build the complex.
It will be disbanded when the facility is opened.
Mr Prighel said conservative early modelling showed the facility would be operating on a break-even basis in four years time.
He said it would service a population of around 15,000 people given people from near Yarrawonga would use the facility.
Mr Prighel said YARC had an open mind about the future of the Yarrawonga outdoor pool.
“The existing outdoor pool is only open over the summer months for very limited hours," he said.
“The schools have access but usage is limited.
"The facility we would like built will be within walking distance of schools."