Libby Mettam promises $22.5 million pool in Port Hedland, slams Labor Government lack of support for Pilbara

WA Opposition Leader Libby Mettam says Pilbara residents should be outraged by the lack of support they have received from the Labor Government, considering the region has driven the State’s economic boom. “We have seen the largest economic boom in the State, which has been largely fuelled by the Pilbara, yet Labor has failed to deliver the services this region desperately needs,” Ms Mettam said. She made the comments during a visit to Port Hedland on Monday, where she was joined by Liberal Pilbara candidate Amanda Kailis and Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Neil Thomson. The trio pledged $22.5 million to fund a new pool in Port Hedland, should the Liberals win the March State election. Ms Mettam framed the funding pledge as part of her broader commitment to improving liveability in regional WA. “Why we are making this key commitment to new aquatic facilities in Port Hedland is because the liveability of this region is critical to ensuring a supported population,” she said. Ms Kailis echoed the sentiment, reinforcing the importance of strong public amenities in improving quality of life for Pilbara residents. “Anyone living in the north understands how vital it is for families to have access to recreational facilities like this proposed Hedland pool,” she said. Port Hedland Mayor Peter Carter stressed the importance of the WA Liberals’ pool funding, noting the region’s need for a modern facility. “A new pool will have a hugely positive impact on our community, so it is terrific that the WA Liberals recognise its importance and are willing to invest $22.5 million in the project if elected in March,” Mayor Carter said. “The South Hedland Aquatic Centre and the Gratwick Aquatic Centre are both over 50 years old and nearing the end of their operational life. The required maintenance just to keep these pools open costs around $1 million every year. “The Town of Port Hedland and its ratepayers cannot fund a project like this alone.” A spokesperson for the Port Hedland council said the town was currently working to identify a suitable site for the new pool and to determine the scope of the project for faster delivery.