Coker, advocates back next pool stage

COMMUNITY advocates and the region’s federal MP are on board with the City of Greater Geelong’s plan to move ahead with planning for an indoor stage of Drysdale’s new pool.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker has softened her stance that the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre (NBAC) should include a 50-metre indoor pool, and this week offered support for the city’s preferred staged development.

The city is already building an Olympic-sized outdoor pool as part of a $15.5 million first stage, which it expects to open by mid-next year.

The city is now moving ahead with planning for the stage two indoor facility, which includes a smaller, warm-water lap pool and children’s pool along with other amenities.

Ms Coker had campaigned for an indoor pool ahead of May’s federal election and reiterated the position following her win, despite construction on the outdoor 50-metre pool starting about a month before the poll.

Ms Coker had previously indicated the new Labor Government would reassess whether its $20 million funding commitment could instead go towards delivering the main pool indoors.

But following the city’s decision last week to progress with planning under its staged model, Ms Coker said she was pleased to see the project go ahead.

“The Albanese Government’s commitment of $20 million is for an indoor aquatic centre,” she said.

“This commitment has been matched by the Victorian government which enables us to work together to build an indoor facility for north Bellarine communities.

“It’s truly exciting. It’s an opportunity to consider and provide much-needed facilities like learn to swim, rehab and indoor lap swimming for local people.

“They have waited so long for this centre and now we can deliver it.”

Meanwhile, the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre Advocacy Group (NBACAG) has welcomed the opportunity for seats at the table for a community reference group, which will guide design of the center’s $45 million second stage.

The panel will have up to 12 members and draw on ideas from NBACAG, user groups, schools, pool designers and aquatic experts.

NBAC spokesperson Rob Kolomeitz said the group was excited at having a formal role the design process following years of advocacy to the city.

“If what has been promised to us goes ahead, the advocacy group would be very, very happy,” he said.

“A lot of people have been on this journey for a number of years, I’m a Johnny-come-lately to this group.

“Certainly, things have changed dramatically in the last year or so. We were told this pool wouldn’t be done for 10 years and the indoor part wouldn’t be done for 15-20 years.

“It’s good [the city] has decided to work with the community.”

The city is now seeking expressions of interest the design panel until December 19, and will have plans ready for council endorsement during 2023.