North Bellarine Aquatic Centre officially opened

THE long-awaited North Bellarine Aquatic Centre (NBAC) opens its gates to the public tomorrow (Wednesday, November 1), but dignitaries had a sneak peek at the finished $15.5 million stage one of the facility earlier today (Tuesday, October 31).

Located in Drysdale opposite the Bellarine Secondary College campus, NBAC has an eight-lane 50-metre pool, all-abilities change facilities, a kiosk with outdoor seating, shaded tiered seating and landscaped lawn areas, and parking for 60 cars and electric vehicle charging.

The public will get their first chance to dive into the pool tomorrow at 6am, and there will be a free open day this Sunday, November 5.

Stage one of NBAC was supported by $10 million from the federal government (pledged by the Coalition ahead of the 2019 election) and $5.5 million from the City of Greater Geelong.

Stage two of the facility will have an eight-lane 25-metre pool, warm water pool, a gym and other health and wellness facilities, and a café, and is supported by $20 million each from the state Labor and federal Labor governments.

Attendees at today’s official opening included Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker, Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson (who made the $10 million commitment as the then-member for Corangamite), City of Greater Geelong chief executive officer Ali Wastie, Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan, City of Greater Geelong councillors Peter Murrihy, Jim Mason and Elise Wilkinson, and members of the community advisory panel and North Bellarine Aquatic Centre Advocacy Group.

Cr Sullivan said he would be in the pool at 6.01am tomorrow, and also recognised the efforts of former Bellarine Ward councillor Stephanie Asher.

“I’m incredibly proud to be here, because this has been such a long time coming,” he said.

“This has been a passion project of the Bellarine Ward councillors for many, many years; something we first discussed when we were elected in 2017.

“There’s been multiple changes in council, council leadership, in federal governments, but it’s continued on to be a strong commitment to this project, and what we see before us right now is the very result of that.

“This is a legacy project… I’m trying to think of the last time an additional aquatic facility was built within Greater Geelong – we’ve had a couple of replacement facilities – so it’s fantastic to be here opening up another one.”

Ms Coker welcomed the opening of the pool and read out a long list of community advisory panel and North Bellarine Aquatic Centre Advocacy Group members to acknowledge their efforts.

“This is an amazing opportunity to thank the community who have really been at the cutting edge of this whole campaign for a pool and aquatic centre for the Bellarine,” she said.

North Bellarine Aquatic Centre opening hours:

November 1 – November 30 (restricted operations)
Monday to Friday: 6-10am, 3-6pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am-5pm

December 1 – March 31 (summer opening hours)
Monday to Friday: 6am-6pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am-5pm

For more information, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/nbac