The upgrade of Wauchope Memorial Olympic Pool has begun, and council and community leaders say many more lives will be saved as a result.
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The popular recreation facility will get structural repairs to the 50 metre pool and toddler pool, an upgrade to the wet deck system, renewal of the concrete pool surrounds and paths, and a new pool heating system.
An entry ramp will also be built to give easy assess for people with mobility issues.
Acting director, Liam Bulley says the warmer water will be a welcome addition for many exercise groups and older users.
"Works are scheduled to be completed ready for the start of the swimming season in October this year, weather permitting. The pool's been losing up to a hundred thousand litres of water a day and we can stop that. If it's being well-used after the refurbishment, the operators may extend the swimming season."
Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Peter Besseling says the project isn't just about dollars and cents:
"The reason council exists is to provide amenities for all our people. We want to make sure that everyone can learn to swim because we live with rivers and oceans."
He said all the money from the sale of Timbertown has gone into the project, plus $1million out of the general council fund.
"It will be a much better pool than it was before," added the Mayor.
Campaigner Diane Gilbert from Wauchope Community Heated Indoor Pool believes many lives will be affected by the upgrade.
"Many more lives will be impacted , many more lives will be saved and the aged and frail will have improved access to a heated pool , with all the benefits that that entails.
It will take more teamwork to finish the entire Aquatic Centre but this is a great start."
Leisa Ferguson says the 70 members of Wauchope Swimming Club and their parents are excited.
"We are hoping that it stays on track. Our numbers are growing at the club, so we're really pleased to see this work going ahead."
Phil Kaufmann of the Wauchope Bonny Hills Surf Lifesaving Club is also delighted.
"It's somewhere for our members and Nippers to train off-season, and keep our skills up."
Denise Williams of Diving North Coast is very pleased for her members.
"We are excited that they are keeping the diving boards. We have two members going to the nationals later this year, and the club is doing well, so this is great for us."
As well as the current upgrade works, the council has applied for an extra $1.5 million in funding through the Federal Government's National Stronger Regions Fund. If successful, the funding will be used to build a shaded children's outdoor water play area and a tiered grandstand.
