Celebrating a major milestone for aquatic centre

CHRISTMAS is just a few days away and the sense of positivity across the Bellarine has gained such momentum, we really need to celebrate.

After almost two years of uncertainty, our hospitality and tourism operators are back in business, people are shopping, dining, socialising and enjoying some stunning summer weather.

Cellar doors are open, vineyards are looking fabulous, live entertainment is back and the Bellarine’s diverse and unique mix of boutique businesses are embracing the return of local residents and visitors alike.

But the festivities are certainly not limited to the immediate Christmas and holiday period, with the council reaching a major milestone in the North Bellarine Aquatic and Leisure Centre project last week and looking forward to exciting times ahead.

We’ve awarded the contract to build stage one of the North Bellarine Aquatic and Leisure Centre to Kane Constructions, with work on the $15.5 million project set to start next year.

Stage one of the project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($10 million) and the council.

An eight lane 50-metre outdoor heated pool, all abilities change facilities, an entry pavilion, a kiosk, covered tiered seating, a landscaped lawn area with umbrellas and trees, and parking for 60 cars are included in the stage one design.

The designs and artist impressions are on the council’s website and I encourage every Bellarine resident to take a few minutes to have a look at the plans that will soon be under construction.

I am also urging anyone in the Bellarine community who hasn’t been involved in the consultation on the proposed stage two of the project, to have their say!

We have already received valuable feedback but to make sure everyone with an interest has an opportunity to help guide the development of the proposed stage two, the city has extended the community feedback period to January 4.

The proposed indoor facilities in stage two include a spa, sauna and steam room to support the health and wellbeing of the whole community, and particularly senior residents and people with disabilities.

Families across the North Bellarine with young children would be able to access indoor water play facilities closer to home, under the stage two proposal.

Your thoughts on a planned gymnasium and group fitness rooms to encourage health and fitness and generate income for the centre, are also welcome.

Stage two could also include a warm water exercise pool, a new learn to swim pool would be used by adults and children of all abilities, and a cafe.

To think that the northern Bellarine community is set have its own outdoor pool and there’s a proposal for a range of indoor pool facilities in the future is amazing.

But it certainly hasn’t happened overnight, and stage two will require matching funding from the Australian and Victorian governments.

Delivering an aquatic facility for the North Bellarine has been a priority of the Bellarine councillors since 2017, with the city funding an independent study which found that communities from Curlewis, to Indented Head had less access to aquatic facilities than those elsewhere in Greater Geelong.

Which is why this two-stage aquatic and leisure centre is so important for our community, and community feedback and involvement is so valuable.

The stage two plans on the website are a starting point and feedback will help with the development of concept plans.

Council will then use the concept plans to advocate for the necessary funding support from the Victorian and Australian governments.

When viewing the proposed plans and providing feedback at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au please consider your needs now and in the future, and thank you to everyone who has already taken time to share their views.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday period, and I encourage you to reach out to family, friends and neighbours who might have had a tougher year than most.

Celebrate the positives and take time to relax, dine and enjoy all the attractions and activities in our Bellarine backyard.

Merry Christmas!
Cr Trent Sullivan
Deputy Mayor