Facility shaped by local voices

THE North Bellarine community has waited a long time for an indoor aquatic facility that can be enjoyed across the seasons and I’m delighted to say we’re one step closer to that being a reality.

Construction on Stage 2 of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre will begin in November after Ireland Brown Construction was endorsed as the preferred head contractor for the project.

The panel recommended Ireland Brown following a competitive tender process based on its excellent project experience, expertise and the value for money it offered.

Stage 2 of the aquatic centre will build on the success of the 50-metre outdoor pool by including a 25-metre indoor pool with eight lanes, as well as a warm water pool.

The facility has been designed with accessibility front and centre. Both pools will have ramps, so people with limited mobility, older residents and parents with young children can get in and out safely and easily.

The facility will also include accessible change rooms, a café with seating, a gymnasium, group fitness rooms, extended car parking, landscaping, and a refurbished entry pavilion.

The Australian and Victorian governments have each committed $20 million to the project, with the City contributing up to $3 million.

Construction of the new facility is estimated to wrap up in 2027.

When complete, the new indoor facility will mean swim lessons, water rehabilitation, and fitness classes can continue throughout the year – no matter the weather.

That’s important for many reasons, including the health and wellbeing of our community. The 2024 Geelong Preventative Health Survey found only 65 per cent of adults in our region were meeting recommended activity levels.

Warm water exercise is beneficial for people living with arthritis, managing chronic pain, or recovering from injury and until now many north Bellarine residents haven’t had easy access to it.

Most importantly, this is a facility shaped by local voices. The people of the north Bellarine showed up at forums, feedback sessions and through strong community advocacy. A community reference group was also consulted during the design phase. The result reflects that input.

To see the plans and for more information about the project, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/nbacproject

While construction gets underway, there are other ways our community is working together to build a more sustainable future for the region.

On Saturday, October 25 from 9am to 12 noon, residents can collect free samples of Better for Geelong compost at community gardens across the region.

Local pick-up locations include the Barwon Heads Community Garden, Ocean Grove Community Garden, Surfside Primary School Kitchen Garden and Springdale Community Garden in Curlewis.

The compost is produced locally at the City’s Anakie Organics Processing Facility using green-bin waste collected from homes across Greater Geelong.

Approximately 35,000 tonnes of garden waste is collected each year, an average of 28 semi-trailers per week.

Composting this material helps divert it from landfill and shows Council’s strong commitment to a circular economy in action.

Geelong’s garden waste is decontaminated by hand to ensure compost is free from chemicals, pathogens and plastics, maintaining the high-quality standard.

The decontamination process can be costly for Council, but you can help by ensuring you put only green matter in your green-lidded bin. An easy rule to remember is ‘if it doesn’t grow, it doesn’t go’.

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