Albury slashes pool budget from 45 million to 25 million over cost blowouts
Albury Council cut the Lavington Swim Centre budget to 25 million. A previous plan grew by 10 million in 15 months.
Albury Council voted to cut the Lavington Swim Centre budget from 45 million to 25 million. A recent cost rise alarmed councillors.
The original estimate blew out by 10 million in 15 months. Councillor Jess Kellahan warned that consultants tend to match whatever budget figure the council proposes.
She said previous advisors did less work but charged more. The council will spend 472,000 from its 2026-27 allocation on revised concept design and cost planning.
This happens before construction begins. Cr Mack pointed to Bega, Clarence Valley and Gunnedah councils.
Those councils built 50-metre outdoor pools for around 15 million. He questioned why Albury's consultant came in far higher.
The new budget cap is final. The council must approve the plan before construction starts.
- 45 million
- Original budget
- 25 million
- New budget cap
- 10 million
- Cost escalation in 15 months
- Around 15 million
- Other councils' pool cost
Why it mattersLavington's pool is aging. The council wants to make sure spending is realistic. It wants the project to deliver what the community actually needs.
AustraliaAlbury residents will get an upgraded pool facility, but council's tighter budget means a simpler design than originally proposed.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
