West Wimmera Shire Council welcomes splash park promise
Published on 14 March 2025
West Wimmera Shire Council welcomes the election commitment from Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster, who has pledged $500,000 for a new splash park at Kaniva if the Coalition wins the next federal election.
Dr Webster visited the Kaniva Memorial Swimming Pool on Wednesday to make the announcement.
Mayor Tim Meyer said the commitment was fantastic news for the Kaniva community.
"This is something we have been advocating for over a long period,” he said.
“A splash park will provide a much-needed recreational facility for families and enhance Kaniva’s appeal as a place to live.
“It will give children a fun and safe way to cool off during the summer months.”
The idea for a splash park at Kaniva was first submitted by the community through Council’s Innovation Platform and was subsequently included in the 2022-23 Annual Plan.
Scoping and planning work has already been completed, and a community survey conducted in early 2023 found overwhelming support for the project, with 96% of respondents indicating they would like to see a splash park at the pool.
The $1-million proposed project involves redeveloping the existing toddler pool into an all-abilities water play space, featuring a small toddler pool alongside various interactive water play elements.
Council previously applied for $500,000 through the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Fund in 2023 to help deliver the project, but the application was unsuccessful.
In addition to the splash park, Council is also investigating the feasibility of a broader redevelopment of the Kaniva Memorial Swimming Pool, which would include upgrades to amenities, accessibility improvements, and enhancements to the pool infrastructure to ensure it remains a valuable asset for the community into the future.
This election commitment brings renewed hope that the project will be funded and delivered in the near future.
West Wimmera Shire Council thanks Dr Webster for this commitment and will continue working to secure funding to bring the Kaniva Splash Park to fruition.