Butler promises to fight for Walgett pool funding

Walgett families will be without a pool this summer forcing families to the river for a cool-off. Pictured outside the Walgett pool are locals Allianah OConnell, Shayehanie Gillon, Ronnie Murray, Ricky Shepherd, little Bub and Teshari Kennedy. Inset: Roy Butler. Photos TWH

It’s a case of ‘shutting the gate after the horse has bolted’ but Member for Barwon Roy Butler said he will be seeking urgent talks with the NSW government regarding the closure of the Walgett swimming pool.

The failure of past governments to provide funding to replace the ageing pool has meant the Walgett Council has had to make the tough decision to close this important facility due to the ongoing maintenance issues.

Mr Butler said ‘something had to be done’ but any action by the current government will be too late for the youngsters in Walgett faced with a blistering – and now forecast, very dry – summer ahead.

“I have spoken to the NSW Treasurer and the Minister for Local Government, and my job is to make the Walgett pool a priority for funding,” Mr Butler said.

“It needs to be re-built, and there’s a hefty price tag on that, but we can’t have a town like Walgett without a pool.

“Money was spent at Bourke and Brewarrina to upgrade their pools but we really need to put aside the money to rebuild the Walgett pool. […]

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