More milestones for outdoor pool build

CONSTRUCTION of Drysdale’s pool is surging ahead despite ongoing conjecture about the ideal outcome for the project.

The City of Greater Geelong is continuing its build of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre at Drysdale Sporting Precinct, which would build an Olympic-sized outdoor pool and associated facilities to provide better access for the region’s communities.

The city shared a progress update last week of the $15.5 million first stage for the long-awaited pool, which indicated work was well underway to deliver the outdoor pool.

“Works are progressing across the entire site, with the development expanding into the northern end of the sports precinct with its own access road off Peninsula Drive,” the city stated.

“Concrete binding to the base of the 50-metre pool is complete, with construction underway on the pool structure.

“The completed eight-lane pool will be suitable for swimming carnivals, learn to swim and various aquatic programs.

“Concrete for the entry pavilion concrete is complete with structural steel fabrication happening offsite. Concreting is about to begin on the changeroom building.”

The city would build a complementary indoor facility in a second stage of the project, which it has estimated would require $45 million from state and federal governments.

Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker has campaigned for an indoor pool to be part of the original project delivery, including a commitment for $20 million during her and the Labor’s successful federal election campaign.