On Tuesday Shoalhaven City Council awarded the tender for design and construction to Zauner Construction.

The Albury based company also has offices in Ulladulla and is undertaking the soon to be completed Ulladulla Civic Centre redevelopment.

The project will see the construction of a new nine lane pool, installation of a recreational splash pad, new filtration equipment and pool heating.

“We are extremely happy,” Mrs Phillips said.

“It is a relief, it has taken years to get to this point.”

Four years, four months and one week of campaigning in fact with Mrs Phillips and concerned residents forming the Save The Nowra Pool Group in September 2009.

“This complex will open up so many opportunities for the area to host major carnivals and events,” she said.

“It will certainly allow us to host NSW Country Swimming Championships, school carnivals up to regional level and it is also being built to international water polo standard we may be able to attract some big events.

“It is a real shot in the arm for swimming and water sports in general.”

Shoalhaven Mayor, Joanna Gash said she was pleased to see the long awaited pool upgrade closer to starting.

“Council recognises the importance of the Nowra Pool within the local community and has committed to delivering the project in its entirety,” she said.

Cr Gash said she hoped the upgraded pool would be completed in time for the 2014/15 swim season.

Work is expected to start on the pool redevelopment in coming weeks including further geo technical testing and design work, with Zauner Construction expected to move onsite and start demolition in March.

The construction duration is expected to be about 45 weeks.