New facility to be an asset for the north Bellarine

THE City of Greater Geelong is excited to be delivering stage one of the north Bellarine aquatic centre at the Drysdale Sports Precinct, in partnership with the Australian Government.

The recent release of the construction tender was an important step forward.

The facility will be a great asset for the north Bellarine, addressing this community’s long-stated need for closer access to a pool.

This need was confirmed by an independent feasibility study commissioned by the Council and prior to that, through extensive community consultation during the development of our region-wide Social Infrastructure Plan.

To clarify some points that have been raised following the release of the construction tender:

The Council received funding of $10 million from the Australian Government specifically to build a 50-metre outdoor pool, and we are making the most of that funding.

To delay or refuse to build at this point (as has been suggested) would be to squander a golden opportunity to deliver a positive outcome for the community we represent.

Far from delaying, we want stage one of this facility open as soon as possible.

By building stage one now, we can lay the foundations for an amazing extended facility
to follow.

The feasibility study confirmed that north Bellarine towns such as Drysdale, Clifton Springs, Curlewis, Portarlington and St Leonards are further away from a pool than any other town or suburb in Greater Geelong.

These communities deserve the same access to aquatic facilities as other residents in our region, and they shouldn’t be made to wait any longer.

A 50-metre heated outdoor pool will produce enormous health and wellbeing benefits, help create stronger and safer swimmers, and bring a lot of enjoyment.

For the approximately 3,500 students at the schools next door, it will mean an end to expensive bus fees to access swimming lessons and carnivals.

Outdoor pools are proving popular across the region at the moment – evidenced by the Council’s decision to open Kardinia Aquatic Centre year round, which was driven by community requests.

We’ve also agreed to open the Lara outdoor pool earlier than usual (on October 1) following similar requests from residents there.

In developing the designs for stage one at Drysdale, we have listened to the community’s feedback about the need for shade and shelter.

The design includes tiered covered seating running the length of the 50-metre pool, as well as a landscaped lawn area with up to 20 demountable umbrellas.

We’ll also be planting more than 100 new native trees to provide wind protection and
extra shade.

The $5.45 million the Council is putting towards stage one, together with a commitment to heat and operate the pool year-round, is a significant and worthwhile investment.

Importantly, the council has committed to seeking funding for a stage two of the centre. Stage two will feature indoor facilities, and we’ll be consulting the community shortly as we begin the design process.

With all levels of government working together to fund stage two, we can ultimately deliver a superb indoor and outdoor aquatic facility in Drysdale.

I look forward to working constructively with our state and federal colleagues to achieve this worthy aim, with the upcoming elections at both levels offering real opportunities to secure funding commitments.

In the meantime, the completion of stage one is an exciting prospect for a community that has been without a 50-metre pool for too long.

Before I go…

A short word about our new ‘What’s Your Why?’ vaccination campaign, which is a partnership between the City of Greater Geelong and Barwon Health.

I was pleased to take part in this campaign and had no hesitation getting vaccinated.

Besides protecting myself and loved ones from COVID, vaccination is the key to being able to welcome our friends, family and visitors back to this beautiful region.

Please arrange to get vaccinated as soon as possible if you can and you haven’t already.

Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan
Bellarine Ward