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Floodgates open at water wonderlandGovernment project that supports economic boost. By news@gippsland - 24th March 2021 - Back to News The Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (GRAC) has splashed down in Latrobe City thanks to a stream of support from the State Government. The $57 million world-class swimming and leisure facility was officially opened today in preparation for patient patrons to pour through the doors at the public launch from 6am on Thursday 26 March.
The state-of-the-art pool of Latrobe City
GRAC was formally christened by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas and Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson, following a wave of activity at the Hubert Osborne Park site over the past few years.
Support for the project
Premier Daniel Andrews began a funding flood by pledging $46 million for the project in 2017 as part of the now delivered $85 million Latrobe Valley Sports and Community Initiative, followed by contributions from Sport and Recreation Victoria and Latrobe City Council.
The GRAC was then fast-tracked and filled to the brim with first-rate features, from an eight-lane 50 metre indoor pool with 500 spectator seats to a regional first deep bore geothermal heating system to reduce carbon footprint and significantly decrease operational costs.
Recreational centre facilities and accomodations
The YMCA managed centre also features:
- Heated outdoor pool
- Indoor water play zone
- Café and retail precinct
- Learn to swim pool
- Two large water slides
Rest and recreation are front and centre with a host of health and wellbeing facilities on deck including:
- Heated outdoor pool - 25 meters long
- Gymnasium with group fitness rooms
- Spa, sauna and steam rooms
- Warm water therapy pool
- Wellness centre
- Wet and dry change facilities
Supporting the local contractors
Led by ADCO Constructions, the build provided an economic boost for a host of local contractors with more than 500 total workers engaged in over 10,000 hours of labour on site.
A community safe event
A festival of activities will accompany the launch with a pool party on Thursday, the prizes and membership giveaways on offer and a COVID safe community day scheduled for Saturday.
Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson said, "The Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre has been on our community’s agenda for many years and Council is privileged to have made this a reality thanks to the incredible support of the State Government. This world class centre puts Latrobe City firmly in the spotlight when it comes to swimming and leisure facilities, major aquatic events, use of geothermal energy and stands as a testament to community spirit."
Pictures from Traralgon Swimming Club website.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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