The draft Narrabri gas project voluntary planning agreement has received two submissions while on public exhibition.

Narrabri Shire Council agreed in principle to the terms of the VPA with Santos for a total fund of $14.5 million.

The draft VPA is the largest of its type agreed by council.

Among the suggestions for the fund is using part of the money to upgrade the swimming pool.

Guy Roth, of Narrabri, spoke on his pool submission at last Tuesday’s council meeting.

Mr Roth raised the idea of a swimming pool/multifunction sports complex.

He also suggested council upgrade the 50-metre pool to eight lanes.

“The existing pool is at the end of its life and cannot cope with its high demand, such as swim training and public access during summer,” he said in his submission.

“With more lanes and a corrected length it would also attract regional swim carnivals.

“Given the climate projections, Narrabri is only going to get hotter and demand for pool use should rise.”

Speaking before elected members and council staff, Mr Roth said the pool was not fit for purpose.

“If you want to support the community here in town, you might want to look at some of our facilities,” he said.

Responding to Mr Roth’s suggestion, council’s general manager Stewart Todd said council had agreed in principle to support projects including Narrabri Airport terminal, an airport landside development and Narrabri Sport and Tourism Precinct.

If funds remain after the completion of these projects, money will be used towards the Narrabri CBD masterplan and a relocation of the Narrabri Library.

“As the report says, council is not in a position to outlay money for the pool,” Mr Todd said.

Mr Todd told the meeting council intended to start a Narrabri Aquatic Centre master plan in the next 12-18 months.

In a report tabled at last week’s meeting, it said council was still in the process of finalising the VPA document with Santos.

“It is expected that minor changes will be made through further discussions/negotiations with Santos over the coming months. The proposed changes are not considered material to the draft VPA and do not affect the public benefit derived from the draft voluntary planning agreement,” the report read.

“A further report accompanied by the final draft VPA will be presented at a future council meeting for endorsement prior to submission to the Minister in accordance with the requirements of section 7.5(3) of the EP&A Act.”

Councillor Maxine Booby moved the recommendation that council note the two submissions received during the exhibition period. The recommendation also included that council note that a further report on the draft VPA will be presented at a future council meeting.

The recommendation was seconded by Cr Lloyd Finlay.

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