Pool advocates hopeful for indoor solution

NORTH Bellarine pool campaigners say there’s renewed optimism that governments will come to the party and help fund an indoor aquatic centre.

The North Bellarine Aquatic Centre Advocacy Group (NBACAC) hosted an information forum for residents interested in the major infrastructure project last week at The Potato Shed, Drysdale.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker, Bellarine state election candidates Alison Marchant and Donny Grigau, City of Greater Geelong staff and experienced aquatic recreation businessman Damian Gorman all formed part of the guest panel that gave their views and answered questions from a crowd of around 60 community members.

NBACAG chair Rob Kolomeitz said he was pleased with a productive forum that he hoped had helped stakeholders find common ground on the project.

“We’re all aiming to have a shared vision of the best outcome, and I hope that meeting served as a catalyst to get it done,” Mr Kolomeitz said.

NBAC advocates remain hopeful of securing further funding for an indoor aquatic centre that includes a lap pool alongside a warm water hydrotherapy pool.

City-endorsed stage two plans include a leisure pool, learn-to-swim pool and warm water pool indoors, with the under-construciton 50-metre pool to remain outdoors.

The city has costed its stage two build at around $45 million, for which it is calling for state and federal funding.

Ms Coker has a standing commitment for a $20 million contribution towards an indoor pool, while campaigners hope a coming state election campaign could spur major parties to splash their cash towards the pool project.