PRIVATE PROPOSAL: Business case central for Drysdale pool advice panel

LONG-TIME advocates for the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre want to explore private operating models for the facility under a coming community advisory panel process.

NBAC Advocacy Group says all options should be on the table for the “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity that they hope will serve local residents’ needs for decades to come.

The City of Greater Geelong is finalising a community advisory panel (CAP) for the Drysdale pool that will provide input into a concept design for stage two of the Drysdale facility.

The city’s community life director Robyn Stevens indicated this week that the make-up of the CAP would be finalised “in the coming weeks”.

The city had announced it would form the panel in November last year when it indicated it expected to have finalised appointments by the end of January.

It would involve up to 12 members representing groups such as local schools, aquatic clubs and users, and specific community groups.

NBAC Advocacy Group is seeking multiple seats at that table following its years of lobbying.

Group chair Rob Kolomeitz said delivery of a robust business plan was essential for the project to live up to its potential.

“We want to make it as cost-neutral to the community. We don’t want COGG residents paying exorbitant fees for this.

“A lot of aquatic centres lose money historically, but if they’re managed well… it gives the best outcome for the community that’s been waiting for a long time.”

Mr Kolomeitz pointed to a partnership between Mornington Peninsula Shire and Belgravia Leisure to run the Yawa Aquatic centre at Rosebud as an example of an effective public-private partnership.

In November, the city predicted the outdoor pool would cost $1 million a year to operate once built, and was yet to cost the second stage pending the design process.

Development of a business case for the indoor centre is among the CAP’s responsibilities once it is appointed.

Advisory Group members also refuse to give up on an idea to cover the pool – either as a fully indoor facility or with a canopy-like structure – but say the design feature is below cost-effectiveness on their priority list.

The city has remained adamant the centre 50-metre pool under construction would remain outdoors.

The second step is a two-storey indoor facility that is expected to include three pools for leisure, learn-to-swim and warm water swimming, fitness facilities and a café.

Stage one construction is well under way, with the 50-metre pool due to be open by the middle of this year.