LONG overdue upgrades of the Holbrook and Henty swimming pools could be fast-tracked if Greater Hume Shire is successful with a federal government funding application.
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The council will make a bid for $1 million to the second round of the National Stronger Regions fund for the refurbishment of the pools which are both more than 50 years old.
An estimated $1.4 million needs to be spent on the Henty pool and $1.2 million on the Holbrook pool to bring them up to modern-day standards.
The council this week committed to providing matching amount, but is banking on savings being achieved if the two upgrades could be carried out simultaneously.
It didn't apply for funding under round one of the federal program due to concerns about meeting eligibility critieria.
But a subsequent meeting between mayor Heather Wilton, deputy mayor Doug Meyer and general manager Steve Pinnuck with the member for Farrer Sussan Ley was held to identify suitable projects for a funding application.
"Management is of the view that this area of the funding pool should be targeted by council for the Henty and Holbrook pool refurbishments," Mr Pinnuck said.
The council is presently inviting tenders for the upgrade of the Henty pool which includes improvements to the pools, concourse, associated pipework, pumps and filters.
Four companies Commercial Aquatics, Icon Building Group, Swimplex and Total Creations have been invited to tender after nine businesses made an expression of interest.
Meanwhile, Holbrook Football Club has lodged a development application with council for a $1.5 million upgrade of facilities.
Three years ago the club approached council for support of a project estimated at $600,000 under a former federal government funding source.
The council made the Jindera multi-service outlet a bigger priority at the time, but the club has since come up with more ambitious plans.
The project doesn't meet the requirements of the National Stronger Regions fund and club officials have raised the possibility with council of allocating part of the proceeds of the sale of the Holbrook Hostel to support a funding application.
The hostel proceeds have previously been earmarked for the town's pool upgrade.
Completing the the project in two stages _ new changerooms and function room area _ has also been raised in discussions.
Council is considering backing the project financially.