Premier firm on pool promise

But 20 months on from the March 2013 election, there is still no timeframe for the project and Ellenbrook residents will spend at least another summer sweltering without a pool.

In State Parliament on Setember 19, West Swan MP Rita Saffioti questioned Mr Barnett on the Liberal Party’s heavily promoted commitment to construct two swimming pools in Ellenbrook.

Mr Barnett responded by saying the Member for West Swan had not approached him about the issue since the election, despite his Government pledging $7 million towards Ellenbrook’s facilities.

‘It is 20 months since the election. That is fair comment, but the member has never bothered to contact me in those 20 months,’ he said.

‘The member has to do her job as a local member, particularly in opposition.’

‘Yes, we intend to deliver on that commitment.’

In response to Ms Saffioti’s question over a timeframe for the project, the Premier said: ‘The member will probably be the last to know ” when the concrete trucks line up.’

Ms Saffioti said it was disappointing the Government was still unable to provide details about the project.

‘A swimming pool in Ellenbrook is an important community project,’ she said.

‘Mr Barnett should be up front with Ellenbrook residents and provide a clear timeframe for the construction of the swimming pools.’

An aquatic centre will eventually form part of the leisure centre component of the Ellenbrook District Open Space.

The City of Swan expects to have a price tag for the aquatic centre by the end of the year, along with the 15 per cent design for the dry area.

The State Government has so far provided $250,000 to support general planning for the whole Ellenbrook District Open Space site.

City chief executive Mike Foley said the council would need State Government assistance to build a pool facility.

‘More funding still needs to be secured for this facility. City funds will need to be supplemented by State Government and other external funding,’ he said.