Panel appointed for Drysdale aquatic centre design

COMMUNITY advocates will have their chance to provide input into the second stage of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre through an advisory panel that the Cty of Greater Geelong has now finalised.

The city named a 12-person panel from a range of stakeholder groups that will provide their ideas and assist with development of design options for the $40 million project, now being built at a site in Peninsula Drive.

Appointees include members of the North Bellarine Community Advisory Group, which has five spots on the panel, leaders at nearby schools, swim teachers and other aquatic experts, and people with lived experienced of disability.

City of Greater Geelong councillors voted to create the advice panel late last year after receiving assurances ahead of the state election that the two major parties would match their federal counterparts’ $20 million commitment to deliver the centre’s second stage.

“This panel will be important in helping to design a facility that meets what the local community wants and needs,” Geelong mayor and Bellarine Ward councillor Trent Sullivan said.

“Each of the panel members now has a great opportunity to shape what will be an exciting addition to the 50-metre heated outdoor pool being built as stage one.

“We look forward to their input and to ultimately delivering the complementary stage two facilities for the community, with much appreciated funding assistance from the state and federal governments.”

When agreeing to form the panel last year, the city indicated the panel would work towards providing design options for a councillor vote during 2023 that would enable the project to proceed.

Indicative plans for the second stage provide an indoor facility at the Drysdale site that includes warm-water, leisure and learn-to-swim pools, café and administration facilities, with a gym and group fitness areas upstairs.

There are presently no plan to enclose the Olympic-sized pool that is under construction – which has been an issue pursued by some politicians and community members during previous discussions on the project.