Liberals pledge $20m for stage 2 of North Bellarine pool

THE state Liberals have waded into the debate about the North Bellarine Aquatic and Leisure Centre (NBALC), pledging $20 million towards the project if their party wins November’s election.

Last week, Opposition Leader Matthew Guy and Liberal candidate for Bellarine Donnie Grigau announced the Liberals, if they formed government, would commit the funds to Stage 2 of the Drysdale centre, which would comprise an indoor facility with three separate warm water, learn to swim and play pools, as well as a café, sauna, steam room, gymnasium and fitness room.

Mr Guy said the new centre would give residents on the Bellarine a world-class fitness facility close to their homes.

“This important local project will have a big impact on those living on the Bellarine, who have for too long gone without a quality aquatic facility.

“This commitment will support many local jobs during and after construction, helping the region to recover and rebuild.”

Mr Grigau said his community had long advocated the need for a specialised facility that provided something for everyone in the community.

“This commitment by a Matthew Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will give people on the North Bellarine, a local community facility.

“Rather than driving to Geelong or Ocean Grove, this centre will provide a year-round indoor pool just around the corner.”

Stage 1 of NBALC will include an eight lane 50-metre outdoor heated pool, all abilities change facilities, an entry pavilion, a kiosk, tiered covered seating, a landscaped community lawn area with umbrellas, more than 100 trees, and parking for 60 cars.

Construction on the $15.5 million project – $5.5 million from City of Greater Geelong and $10 million from the federal government via then-Liberal member for Corangamite (now Victorian Senator) Sarah Henderson – began in May.

The city is seeking further money from the state and federal governments to support Stage 2 being built, but there are political complexities around the project.

In October last year, Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker announced her party, if it won the 2022 federal election (which it did), would commit a further $20 million towards the project and reassess it so all available funding could be put towards a 50-metre indoor pool at NBALC.

Ms Coker said last month her preference remained for an indoor aquatic centre for the North Bellarine, but Senator Henderson described Labor’s actions as a “vindictive and heartless plan to destroy this project”.