Victorian Labor MP 'sick to death' of council approach to new Maryborough pool

Labor's Ripon MP Martha Haylett has called on Central Goldfields Shire Council Mayor Ben Green and CEO Peter Harriott to "reconsider their positions" amid controversy surrounding the redevelopment of Maryborough outdoor swimming pool.   

The pool has been closed since 2022 after an independent assessor deemed it was at "end of life".

The Labor MP announced yesterday if re-elected, the government would match a Liberal Party promise of a further $5 million to fund the Central Victorian pool under "very strict conditions".

"We will not release a single cent of taxpayer funding until the council is able to explain how they have so dramatically mismanaged this project, and provide the community with a fully transparent and detailed plan as to how they intend to actually deliver it," Ms Haylett said.

"We are sick to death of this council repeatedly coming and asking for further money.

"Due to ongoing issues, we think it is appropriate that Liberal Mayor Ben Green and CEO Peter Harriott reconsider their positions."

Yesterday, Liberal Party candidate Megan Read pledged $5 million to demolish the existing pool and build a new 50-metre outdoor pool. 

$9 million in funding has already been secured for the project, comprising $4.5 million federal commitment, $3 million from the state government and $1.5 million from the Central Goldfields Shire Council. 

Nationals candidate Jo Armstrong has also promised to "deliver the pool to the community".

An assessor previously recommended the Maryborough pool be demolished and rebuilt, estimated to cost $9 million.

Last year, the estimated cost of reopening the pool jumped to about $14 million, which the council attributed to soaring construction prices and site complexities.

The 50-metre pool is the only outdoor facility of its kind for the town of 8,000 residents. 

Central Goldfields Shire Council did not respond to the ABC's questions about the call for the mayor or CEO to resign or to allegations the council had "dramatically mismanaged" the pool project. 

In a statement to the ABC, a Central Goldfields Shire Council spokesperson welcomed the Coalition and Labor's commitment to provide $5 million for the pool. 

"Additional community engagement will occur around all aspects of the project when funding is secured," the spokesperson said.

"After the election outcome is known, we'll seek the local member's support to work collaboratively and get on with delivering."

Speaking to the ABC this morning, CEO Peter Harriott said the $5 million commitment was "fantastic", but he denied wrongdoing.

"There has been no mismanagement of this project. If you are talking about the costs … look at some of the tunnels in Melbourne that go [over the budget]. We are nowhere in the league of those increases," Mr Harriott said.