Muswellbrook Shire Counicl is encouraging the community to complete the online survey for the proposed Special Rate Variation.

If approved, the Special Rate Variation will allow for a greater upgrade of facilities in the shire.

The program proposal includes a range of updates around the shire, including a Regional Convention and Performance Centre – a major component of the Muswellbrook Town Centre Plan; an expansion and upgrade to the facilities at Muswellbrook Aquatic Centre; and the full delivery of the Denman Town Centre revitalisation plan.

Muswellbrook Swimming Club committee member Russell Hartin said the group was excited about the prospect of an upgrade to the aquatic centre facilities.

The plans include replacement of the 87-year-old 50 metre swimming pool; construction of a dry/wet or water park for children, adjoining the indoor facility; and, additional café space.

“Obviously the committee would like to see a pool that gives us the ability to run carnivals and those sorts of things in the area and draw people to the area through that,” Mr Hartin said.

“The pool needs to be built to certain standards and that’s what we’ve put forward as a committee to the council as to what we would like to see as the upgrade goes ahead.

“We promoted, through the club, for people to have their say on what they thought would be the best outcome for the facility as a whole, for the community.”

Mr Hartin said newer pools had better technology, like level gutters, which allowed their towns to host meets of a higher standard, and the Muswellbrook group was enthusiastic about having that potential in town.

“It allows you to draw bigger carnivals to the area and host regional type events, rather than just area events,” he said.

He said the local club would have access to the indoor pool during the construction phase, which would allow them to still host short course meets and club training.

“We don’t see it as a major issue during the construction period because we’ve still got another facility that can be used by the community as well,” he said.

“As members of the community we’re keen for everybody to have their say so we end up with the best facility for the town that serves the needs of the town for the next 80 years.

“It needs to be a facility that can be used for a number of things, not just swimming, but also hydrotherapy and things like that.

“The overall design allows for those sorts of things.

“It’s not just about swimming; its about a community facility that more people can use.

“We just think it’s exciting for the town the prospect of having a new facility that will be to a standard that a lot of other places would love to have.”

The online survey of residents closes on Friday, February 3.

Residents can also write (PO Box 122, Muswellbrook NSW 2333) or email (council@muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au) to express views to the general manager.

For more information, or to complete the survey about the proposed Special Rate Variation, visit https://muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au/index.php/2015-05-29-01-29-46/2584-srv