The group formed about 10 years ago and includes delegates from two junior swimming clubs, Masters, lap swimmers, water polo, water aerobics and the general public.

Chairperson Phil Murray said the group strives for an aquatic centre that will “meet the needs of the community”.

The group’s ultimate “wish list” would see an indoor centre built comprising a competition pool (51 metres, to allow it to be divided into two 25-metre pools if necessary), a hydrotherapy spa pool, a walking pool, a children’s play pool and recreation area, a 25-metre pool that can be used for warm-up and cool-down at competitions and learn-to-swim classes – all in a suitable location with safe and adequate parking.

Cessnock’s current pool opened in 1935 and at the time had the distinction of not only being Australia’s first pool built to Olympic standards, but the first pool in the world to use black tiles as lane markers.

Nowadays only two of its six lanes meet FINA standards, and the steps don’t meet safety requirements, Mr. Murray said.

The traffic volume and lack of dedicated parking at the current location is also cause for concern.

Mr. Murray said the new centre needs to be in a location where it does not impact on residents.

A new centre with multiple pools and plenty of parking would allow Cessnock to host big competitions.

The centre would not have to close to the public on the days it hosts carnivals, as Cessnock Pool currently does.

 “The economic benefits could be huge… we could host big carnivals for Masters and Special Olympics, and all of the motels and hotels would be booked out,” Mr. Murray said.

With Newcastle’s recent decision to bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, a new centre in Cessnock could present major opportunities – especially considering there is only one other 50-metre indoor pool in the Hunter (the Forum at Newcastle University).

The Pool Users Group also suggests the new centre could be used by rehabilitation patients and local sporting clubs for recovery sessions, and that the closure of the current site could open up development opportunities.

Cessnock City Council will discuss the timeframe of the project at its February 6 meeting.

Cr. Morgan Campbell moved that council have the project “shovel-ready” by the 2016/17 budget at council’s last meeting of 2012, but councillors James Ryan, Ian Olsen and Suellen Wrightson want it ready two years sooner, and lodged a rescission motion to bring the discussion back to the table.

Mr. Murray said he appreciated the councillors’ enthusiasm.

“If they can get it right in 18 months to two years that would be fine, but in four years they would be more likely to get it right,” he said.

“I’d hate to think they would dig a hole and put a shed over it.”