New starting blocks and an electronic timing system have been installed at Peninsula Leisure Centre making it the only aquatic centre on the Central Coast or Newcastle to have Olympic standard timing equipment available to our swimmers every day they are in the pool.

The $135,000 funding for the purchase and installation of the equipment was made possible through Stronger Communities Funding, established by the NSW Government to provide merged Councils with funding to kick-start the delivery of projects that improve community infrastructure and services.

Council Mayor Jane Smith, said she was delighted to see this investment in the Peninsula Leisure Centre, one of Council’s busiest leisure and recreation facilities.

“The Centre attracts over 440,000 patrons per year and the new equipment will make it an even more attractive option to the competitive swimmers in our community,” Mayor Smith said.

The funding has enabled the installation of new starting blocks including a starting ledge for backstroke, a new electronic timing system and boards for both swimming and water polo competitions.

“Access to this Olympic standard timing equipment and new starting blocks means our swimmers will be doing their daily training under the same conditions as they will be competing at representative swim meets at venues like the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre,” Mayor Smith said.

“This will allow them to be better prepared, comfortable and confident in how to use the equipment and could potentially lead to improved times and greater representation at State and National meets from Central Coast swimmers.”

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said $10 million has been provided to Central Coast Council under the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund to help deliver key infrastructure for the rapidly growing region.

“The State Government’s Stronger Communities Fund has enabled us to invest in projects that will benefit our growing community for many years to come,” Mr Crouch said.

“The grassroots projects selected are the types of community improvements that will make a real and lasting difference to people’s lives.”

Local MLC Taylor Martin said he was pleased the Council and Government were delivering a range of projects, which have been community priorities for some time.

“The community has been very involved in identifying these important projects and working with Council to provide feedback and finalise the designs,” Mr Martin said.

“We are really excited to fund these important projects for locals and visitors to enjoy.”

Peninsula Leisure Centre offers a range of modern facilities and services including the Aquatic Centre featuring an indoor heated 50 metre pool and program pool, 24 hour Health and Fitness Centre, Learn to Swim Program, squad programs, indoor sports and children’s facilities and first aid and lifeguard training courses.

The Centre also has a children’s party room, crèche, café, barbeque and picnic facilities, therapy pool, as well as spa, sauna and steam rooms. To become a member today email plc@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or phone  4325 8123.