MOREE Plains Shire Council mayor Susannah Pearse, along with fellow councillors and general manager Natalia Cowley, had the pleasure of cutting the ribbon at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre on Thursday to celebrate the re-opening of Moree’s world-famous artesian hot pools.

“Today is an incredibly exciting day for our community,” Cr Pearse said.

“Witnessing the joy in the faces of families and visitors taking in the waters has been such a reward for our Councillors and team, following the reinstatement of one of the key jewels in the Moree Plains’ crown.

“The artesian water has been a part of Moree’s identity since 1895. The love of artesian water and its thermal properties is a world-wide phenomenon, and we are so very lucky to have it here, beneath our feet, and now, back for people from all over the world, or just down the road, to enjoy.

“Being without our full complement of artesian facilities for some years has been frustrating for our community, and also for our tourism industry.

General manager Natalia Cowley, mayor Susannah Pearse and fellow councillors look forward to welcoming the community back to the famous hot pools at the MAAC.

“We know the return of tourists, ahead of what is actually the busiest period for that market, is going to reinvigorate our local businesses as a time when that is much needed.

“It’s why we knew these artesian baths had to be a priority,” she said.

Cr Pearse acknowledged that there is still more on the to-do list but said that “today demonstrates that we are a council that can, and will, get the job done.”

Council’s general manager, Natalia Cowley, thanked project manager David Mangelsdorf and the many local and regional contractors for delivering for the community.

“This has really been a huge team effort utilising both specialist and local expertise,” Ms Cowley said.

“Thank you to our team and all of our contractors for their hard work in delivering for our community.”

In celebration of the reinstated facilities, the MAAC is offering four weeks free and zero-dollars joining fee on Bronze Swim Only and Silver Swim + Classes memberships.

These are available for a limited time only at MAAC Membership.

The MAAC is open daily from Monday to Friday from 6am to 7pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 6pm.

The MAAC Hot Artesian Pool Redevelopment project has been made possible thanks to funding from NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) Round 5 – $892,000; Commonwealth of Australia’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program Round 4 – $675,000; and Council funding of $1,656,000.