Time extension granted for pool fundraising

31 August 2011

The Cambridge Swimming Pool Fundraising Committee has been granted a time extension in which to reach the $4.5 million target that is needed to see the development of a covered pool go ahead.

The group was originally expected to report back to the council at the end of October but will now have until December 5 to raise the necessary funds to ensure the development is included in the council's 2012-22 Long Term Plan.

The council also agreed to underwrite the fundraising costs of the committee to a maximum of $40,500.

Chief Executive Garry Dyet said the fundraising committee had made good progress and was asking the council to underwrite the fundraising function so its members could deliver a definitive answer on December 5.

While October was originally signalled, in order to comfortably fit into the timing of the preparation of the draft Long Term Plan, a final decision in early December was as late as the council could wait to still fit with the Long Term Plan timetable.

Mayor Alan Livingston said it was common sense for the committee to be given the opportunity to do its upmost, with council support, to raise the funds.

At the end of the day the community will get to vote by the level of support that goes into the project, he said.