Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster has announced a Dutton-Littleproud Coalition Government would provide $500,000 to convert Kaniva Pool’s toddler pool into an All-Abilities Splash Park.

The announcement comes after a hot summer and advocacy from West Wimmera Shire Council, who have committed the remaining cost to make the estimated $1 million redevelopment a reality.

“I was thrilled to meet with Kaniva College students at the pool on Wednesday to share the exciting news with them.  These wonderful children and future community leaders spoke confidently in front of us all about their joy at having more to do at the pool thanks to a Splash Park,” Dr Webster said.

The Kaniva Memorial Pool All Abilities Splash Park Project aims to revitalise the Kaniva Memorial Pool by replacing the under-utilised toddler pool with a modern and inclusive and all abilities waterplay (splash park) space.

The announcement follows Dr Webster’s Wednesday announcement of $1 million to improve The Mecca town hall facilities in Rainbow to be accessible to everyone.

“Encouraging water play for children of all ages is important for their health and wellbeing and connection with community,” Dr Webster said.

“I was excited to be at Kaniva on Wednesday with the schoolchildren, pool committee members and West Wimmera Shire representatives who cannot wait to see the Kaniva Memorial Pool All Abilities Splash Park become a reality.”

“I have to be clear, I can only make this funding a reality if the Coalition forms government at the upcoming election,” Dr Webster said.

“The Albanese Labor government has reduced spending in Mallee by a factor of 20 to 1 compared to my first term in office under a Coalition government. My hope is that projects like the Kaniva Splash Park will be the beginning of Mallee getting back its fair share of federal spending.”

Dr Webster recently criticised the Albanese Government’s failure to provide a single housing grant to Mallee under the Regional Housing Support program, referring that program to the Auditor-General.

Mallee Councils have consistently told Dr Webster that Federal and Victorian Labor’s co-funding demands make it incredibly difficult to successfully apply for funding.

“I commend West Wimmera Shire Council for their contribution and commitment to this project.  Labor has starved shires with prohibitive project criteria and co-funding expectations so the amount the Shire is committing here demonstrates how strongly they believe in its merit for Kaniva and the West Wimmera region,” Dr Webster said.

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