Construction kicks off on north Bellarine pool

WE’VE reached another milestone in making an outdoor, heated pool a reality for the north Bellarine.

I’m thrilled that a planning permit has been issued for the long-awaited $15.5 million pool at the Drysdale Sporting Precinct, meaning construction is kicking off this month.

It’s a real a victory for us Bellarine residents, who will no longer face drives of up to 35 minutes to the nearest 50-metre outdoor pool when the new facility opens next year.

It’s been a long road since a study in March 2020 confirmed what we’ve been saying for some time – that we desperately need another swimming pool.

The study found that residents in Drysdale, Clifton Springs, Curlewis, Portarlington and St Leonards have lower access to swimming pools than those in almost any other area of the municipality.

And given our proximity to so many stunning beaches, children on the Bellarine need to be able to easily access pools so that they can learn vital water safety skills.

Since that study, the city team has been working hard to get community feedback on the designs, appoint an architect and a builder, and receive planning approval.

With the federal government’s $10 million commitment and $5.5 million from council, the pool will be suitable for lap swimming, family use, learn to swim classes and water exercise classes.

Many of us remember the excitement of donning the togs and goggles for swim carnival time when we were in school.

This outdoor pool will have capacity to hold school and local carnivals, and will serve more than 3,500 students at schools within 200 metres of the Drysdale Sporting Precinct site.

We’ve taken the community’s feedback on board about the importance of sustainability, so the facility will be powered using a 16kw solar system.

We will also plant more than 100 trees, deliver shade areas, carparking for 60 cars plus two electric vehicle charging stations.

Our plans don’t stop here – the city team has also been consulting the community on a complementary indoor aquatic and leisure centre, proposed to be delivered in stage two.

We’re proposing a warm water pool for hydrotherapy, indoor learn-to-swim and aqua play facilities, as well as a gym, group fitness space and indoor change facilities.

The indicative plans were informed by community submissions last year and further consultation with the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre Advocacy Group.

The city received more than 160 submissions, including seven from local and aquatic groups representing hundreds of members and connections.

On behalf of council, I thank everyone who shared their thoughts and ideas on what an indoor facility could look like.

A recent survey from the city found 83 per cent of those surveyed would use the proposed indoor facility.

It’s clear that there is a strong community appetite for a stage two.

The team is now reviewing all of the feedback with consideration of how the concepts for stage two can best meet the community’s needs.

We expect to see a final engagement report mid this year.

In the lead-up to this year’s state and federal elections, the city is working to secure $45 million in joint funding from the Victorian and Australian governments to deliver stage two.

Swimming facilities are worthy of bipartisan support, as they provide physical and mental health benefits for community members of all ages, genders, abilities and backgrounds.

This project will make a positive impact on the lives of Bellarine residents for generations to come.

I can’t wait to join swimmers when the new outdoor pool opens next year!

For more information on this project, visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/nbalc

Cr Trent Sullivan,
Deputy Mayor