THE option of revisiting a regional aquatics facility on Gateway Island jointly bankrolled in part by Albury and Wodonga councils and the NSW and Victorian governments has had a lukewarm response.
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Mike King, the consultant employed by Albury Council to investigate the city's future aquatics needs, said the Gateway Island proposal floated more than a decade ago would still struggle to attract the financial backing for a project estimated to cost close to $50 million.
He was responding to a question from Cr Murray King during a recent workshop ahead of the council being presented with the latest information on two preferred options _ retaining Albury and Lavington pools or building a 50-metre indoor pool next door to Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and retaining Albury pool.
"The issue of location is really important and the problem with Gateway Island is everybody travels," Mr King said.
"I know previous work has been done in relation to it, but the difficulty in this region is always one state government won't spend money in another state government's area.
"Also, one local council won't spend money in another local council area, but it is critical where you locate it.
"Putting it in the middle geographically, in an alluvial soil area, in a flood plain (has its drawbacks)."
Mr King said the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre precinct was easily accessible for Wodonga residents who he predicted would be drawn to a 50-metre indoor pool with additional hydrotherapy pools and gymnasium.
Retaining Albury and Lavington pools is more than $30 million cheaper, but it would attract an estimated 5.5 million visits less over a 10-year period.
