Asher pledges $20m for aquatic centre’s second stage

LIBERAL candidate for Corangamite Stephanie Asher has made a splash with her first pledge of the 2022 federal election, committing $20 million towards stage two of the North Bellarine Aquatic and Leisure Centre if the Morrison Government is re-elected.

Stage one of the facility, which will include a 50-metre outdoor pool, is expected to start construction in the Drysdale Sports Precinct early this year, with the $15.5 million project jointly funded by the Morrison Government (including $10 million from then-member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson) and the City of Greater Geelong.

The city has run community engagement on stage two – which is expected to cost up to $45 million – and has released initial concept plans for what might be in it, including:

• Warm water exercise pool with accessible ramp (21m x 14m)
• Learn to swim program pool with accessible ramp (15m x 8m)
• Water play pool with accessible ramp (19m x 19 m)
• Spa, sauna and steam room
• Change rooms and gymnasium
• Group fitness rooms
• Health consulting suites
• A café, and
• Occasional care and program room.

Ms Asher said her commitment – made at the precinct today (Monday, April 11) alongside Senator Henderson – would mean better access to much-needed community facility for local residents and families.

“Our plan to fully deliver the North Bellarine Aquatic and Leisure Centre is a win for local residents across Bellarine communities.

“For too long, communities such as Drysdale, Curlewis, Portarlington, St Leonards and Indented Head have been denied access to sporting and community facilities other parts of our region enjoy.”

Ms Asher’s commitment follows a pledge by incumbent Labor Corangamite MP Libby Coker in October 2021 of $20 million towards a facility with a 50-metre indoor pool, but this would require the city to halt and review its tender process for stage one, which the city has not done as it says it has a “legally binding $10 million funding agreement with the Australian Government specifically to deliver a 50-metre outdoor pool”.