A groundswell of support across the Moree Plains Shire shows ratepayers, residents and visitors to the black-soil plains do not want a 50-metre swimming pool at Taylor Oval.

Social media surveys and online petitions clearly indicate an overwhelming “no” vote to Moree Plains Shire Council’s plan to construct a 50-metre pool complex at the site.

Concerned Moree resident Jordan McGrady has launched an online petition against building a pool facility at Taylor Oval.

“There’s a much bigger story here than just a petition,” Mr McGrady said.

“What’s emerging isn’t simply opposition to a pool at Taylor Oval. It’s a clear, structured community position about how Moree should be planning and delivering major infrastructure moving forward – and doing it in a way that actually strengthens the town instead of trading one asset for another.”

Mr McGrady created an online petition to oppose the construction of a new swimming pool at Taylor Oval and to protect the site as an open, active community space.

The petition can be signed HERE.

“Taylor Oval has been a central part of Moree for generations. It’s not just a piece of land – it’s where sport, school activities, community events and everyday recreation have taken place for decades,” he said.

“It is one of the last flexible, usable green spaces in that part of town. Once it’s built over, that’s it – the space is gone permanently.

“And that is exactly why this debate has gained traction so quickly, because people understand what’s at risk.”

Direction needed

Mr McGrady says the real story is about direction, not just opposition to the proposal.

He has devised a three-part, alternative plan he says is practical, fundable and far more beneficial for Moree in the long-term.

Mr McGrady says Moree needs a new pool complex, built properly and with identity.

“Moree still needs a strong, modern community pool – but not at Taylor Oval,” he said.

“This should be a separate development, designed specifically for families, schools and local sport.

“Importantly, it should also correct what the town lost. That means replicating the 1990s-2000s Moree pool layout and rebuilding a grandstand that reflects the original iconic structure.

“The sense of identity and familiarity that people still connect with needs to be brought back.

“This then becomes Moree’s true community aquatic facility – functional, recognisable and built with purpose,” he said.

Mr McGrady says MAAC needs to be repositioned as the important tourism aquatic facility it once was.

“The existing aquatic centre should be upgraded and repositioned as Moree’s primary tourism-driven aquatic destination,” he said.

“This is where investment makes the most sense. There is infrastructure in place; the site has regional recognition; and it aligns with tourism and visitor economy funding.

“The vision is to expand and enhance MAAC into a destination-level facility that attracts visitors, supports events and drives economic activity.”

Indigenous and non-Indigenous history

Mr McGrady says Taylor Oval, where Don Bradman played cricket in 1929 and Clive Churchill captain-coached Moree Rugby League Football Club – now the Moree Boars – in 1960 and 1961, should be preserved and developed.

“Rather than being removed, Taylor Oval should be strengthened,” Mr McGrady said.

“I believe it should be developed into Taylor Stadium — a staged, affordable sporting and events venue.”

Mr McGrady said the Taylor Oval precinct is steeped in Indigenous and non-Indigenous history.

“The site has historical, cultural, and community significance, including the legacy of Ted Taylor, and the long-standing connection the Taylor family has to the ground and the town,” he said.

“It is equally important to recognise that any future development of the site presents an opportunity to properly acknowledge the full history of that part of town.

“One proposal with strong merit is the naming of the grandstand at Taylor Stadium after Ronald “Cheeky” McIntosh, to recognise his place in Moree’s history and ensure Aboriginal contribution and lived experience are visibly honoured alongside the existing legacy of the Taylor name.

“This creates a balanced outcome, one that respects Indigenous and non-Indigenous history in a meaningful and permanent way,” Mr McGrady said.

Mayor urged to reconsider

Fellow Moree resident, Dorothy Tighe, said in a letter to Moree Plains Shire Council mayor, Susannah Pearse, the history of Taylor’s Oval is well-documented.

“I urge (the mayor) and the council to reconsider this proposal and engage in a genuine consultation process with the Aboriginal community,” Ms Tighe said.

“This is an opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation and to honour the cultural significance of places like Taylor’s Oval.

“By doing so, we can work towards a more inclusive future that truly respects and celebrates our shared histories,” she said.

“The previous decision to place a Big W store in the same area serves as a reminder of the historical disregard for Indigenous cultural significance,” she said.

“Our commitment to closing the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities cannot simply be a matter of words; it requires action rooted in respect, understanding and meaningful dialogue.

“The choice to continue with plans that threaten Aboriginal heritage undermines these goals and perpetuates a cycle of disrespect and alienation,” Ms Tighe said.

Taylor Stadium

Mr McGrady said the new Taylor Stadium could be delivered progressively in three stages.

“Stage one could incorporate ground upgrades, lighting improvements and basic seating, with stage two including infrastructure using shipping containers, new change rooms, canteen, clubrooms, storage facilities and permanent bleachers,” Mr McGardy said.

He said stage three would include an all-weather grandstand, expanded capacity and full event capability.

“This approach is cost-effective, scalable, and realistic for a regional town,” Mr McGrady said.

“What makes this plan strong, is that it’s not reliant on a single funding source.

“It breaks the project into three separate funding streams, which significantly increases the likelihood of delivery,” he said.

“This is not a “cost more” proposal. It is a ‘fund smarter, build smarter’ proposal that delivers more outcomes with less risk.

“It protects a significant community asset, respects the full history of Moree, creates local jobs and establishes three, long-term assets instead of one compromised outcome.”

MAAC funding suggestion

Mr McGrady suggests a MAAC upgrade could be financed through tourism and regional development funding; a new 50-metre pool could be realised using community infrastructure and heritage funding; and the creation of Taylor Stadium through sport and recreation funding.

“On top of that, there is a major opportunity to incorporate a CDEP-style workforce model, focusing on local Aboriginal employment, training and skills development,” Mr McGrady said.

“This would engage local workers directly in construction and development; provide trade pathways and certifications; keep project spend circulating within the community; and deliver long-term employment outcomes, not just infrastructure.

“This is where the plan becomes more than just buildings – it becomes economic development,” he said.

“The current proposal to build a pool at Taylor Oval is being seen by many as a short-term solution that creates long-term loss,” Mr McGrady said.

“This alternative is different. It protects an existing community asset; restores part of Moree’s lost identity; creates a tourism driver; delivers a proper sporting facility; generates jobs and training opportunities; and uses funding streams strategically instead of competing for one pool of money.

“Most importantly, it shows the community is not against development –it is demanding better development,” he said.

“The debate about putting a pool at Taylor Oval isn’t just a local dispute – it’s a turning point,” Mr McGrady said.

“It’s about whether Moree continues a pattern of losing important spaces, or whether it starts delivering infrastructure in a way that is planned, funded properly, and backed by the people who actually use it.

“The messages coming through from the Moree community is clear – protect Taylor Oval, upgrade MAAC, build a proper community pool and deliver Taylor Stadium.

“That’s a plan the community can get behind,” Mr McGrady said.

The petition against constructing a 50-metre pool complex at Taylor Oval can be signed HERE.

A survey currently underway by Moree Online News overwhelmingly says “no” to a pool at Taylor Oval. At 2.20pm, Monday, April 13, nearly 1000 people from 1100 respondents so far have voted to have a 50m pool adjacent to MAAC. The survey will close at midday on Thursday, April 16.

Anyone wishing to vote, can do so HERE.

Moree Plains Shire Council will hold a meeting next Thursday, April 16 at 11am, ahead of the 1pm council meeting. Moree ratepayers and concerned residents are encouraged to attend. To speak at a Moree Plains Shire Council public forum, members of the public must register by 5pm on the Tuesday immediately before the council meeting is scheduled. Generally, inquiries and registrations are handled by the Executive Office. To register as a speaker or for more information, email [email protected] or [email protected]. Alternatively, call 6757 3222.