Moree Plains Shire Council is moving forward with plans for a new aquatic facility at Taylor Oval, confirming its commitment to delivering a modern, accessible precinct while meeting heritage requirements.
At the March ordinary council meeting, councillors endorsed the next phase of planning, outlining a pathway to bring the long-anticipated project to a “shovel-ready” stage.
Council is adopting a dual-track approach after receiving updated advice from Heritage NSW about the site’s listing on the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS). This will involve detailed Aboriginal cultural heritage investigations alongside the development of a comprehensive master plan.
A formal heritage assessment is already underway, led by an independent archaeological consultant. The process includes statutory consultation with Aboriginal communities and is expected to clarify the historical significance of the site while guiding future design decisions.
To keep the project on schedule, council will run master planning and reference design work at the same time. Officials say this strategy will help limit potential cost increases and improve the project’s chances of securing construction funding within the next two financial years.
The proposed aquatic precinct is being designed to meet local climate conditions and community needs, with a focus on long-term sustainability and usability.
Residents will have an opportunity to shape the project during a targeted consultation period once the draft master plan is released, allowing feedback on the layout and functionality before plans are finalised.
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