December pool opening ‘still a possibility’ says Mayor Smith

Workers at the $30 million Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre in Grafton are “busting a gut” to get the centre’s 50m pool open before Christmas, but the weather is not helping.

Clarence Valley mayor Ray Smith said the centre managers, Clarence Valley Council, were clinging to the hope there could be a soft opening of the biggest pool before Christmas, with a “hard” opening in early 2025.

“Everyone working on the site has been busting a gut to get the main pool open this month,” he said.

“The rain has not helped, but the construction company, Hines Constructions, has been doing everything it can to keep the project on track.

“We’re still hoping we can get the 50m pool open this month, but I will have more information on that later this week.”

Ruefully Mr Smith said predictions of more rain to come in the next few days might not be good news.

In a report to the last council meeting the extent of the wet weather was revealed.