It could well be one of the greatest community-driven projects Armidale has ever seen.

And, there is no doubt it will take significant collaboration between a wide range of groups in our community.

Already, many people and organisations are coming forward to help.

This week was the first meeting for the pool’s new working party, headed by former Armidale councillor and former Armidale Hydrotherapy Pool volunteer Jenny Bailey.

After months of being left in the dark, it was also good to see Armidale Lions Club representatives Brian Ferris and Jack Rapley attend the meeting.

The club helped establish the original pool almost 40 years ago and has been largely responsible for its maintenance ever since.

The Club reported there was little consultation with with regarding the current pool’s troubles.

So involvement in the new facility is welcome and will undoubtedly be positive for the whole community.

Armidale Regional Council also showed its support for the project with senior executive Lindsay Woodland in attendance.

He plans to gather some data regarding possible site options and will report back to the group in a few weeks.

Despite Hunter New England Health’s handling of the current hydrotherapy pool being the catalyst for the new group forming, a health representative did attend the meeting, though Northern Tablelands general manager Wendy Mulligan and executive director Susan Heyman were available.

The healthcare giant has had a troublesome run with its existing facility, which is located within the Armidale Hospital grounds.

Let’s hope their presence in the new work party will be positive.

Their knowledge and experience will be invaluable when developing the new facility for the city.

So let’s hope their collaboration can lead to a productive and well-communicated working relationship.

As Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall says, a hydrotherapy pool is core business for Armidale.

A wide range of users depend on it, so let’s get right behind the project.