THE CONSTRUCTION of a North Bellarine Aquatic Centre has taken a dive in a different direction this morning with a $20 million commitment for an indoor pool if Labor wins the next federal election.<\/p>\n
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Catherine King announced the pre-election pledge would fund \u201ca year-round facility for the entire community, including a 50-metre indoor pool with movable floor and dry spaces perfect for community functions, classes and rehab\u201d.<\/p>\n
However, for the plan to come together, the City of Greater Geelong will have to withdraw the tender they are now advertising to build a 50-metre heated outdoor pool and wait for the federal election outcome expected in mid-2022.<\/p>\n
The outdoor pool – stage one of the aquatic centre project – was to be funded by $10 million of federal cash, committed before the last election by then-Liberal Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson, with the city contributing a further $5 million.<\/p>\n
The city called for tenders for construction of stage one last month, with a closing date of October 15, announcing it was continuing \u201cto seek investment from all levels of government\u201d to build stage two including an indoor, warm-water pool.<\/p>\n
Community groups expressed concerns that a heated outdoor pool without shade or shelter could be unviable.<\/p>\n
Ms King said the funding pledge, if Labor came to power at the election, meant \u201cthe Bellarine will finally have a top-quality, aquatic centre ready to be used by the entire community all year round\u201d.<\/p>\n
She urged the City of Greater Geelong to review the current tender process for an outdoor pool in light of Labor\u2019s commitment.<\/p>\n
\u201cAquatic centres are vital community infrastructure heavily used by people of all ages.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important these facilities are built properly to maximise community usage and maximise the value of the significant public funding investment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker said she was thrilled to secure the indoor pool funding.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a good day for young kids on the Bellarine who are learning to swim, residents of all ages trying to keep fit, and people doing rehabilitation, or with disabilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey can all now have access to a quality aquatic centre, including an indoor pool and allied health services.<\/p>\n
\u201cA contained aquatic centre, where you can control heat loss, is also important to building sustainable local infrastructure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Coker also urged the city to halt its existing tender for an outdoor pool and start a new round of community consultations around the key elements and services that should be contained within the aquatic centre.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone on the Bellarine deserves an aquatic centre and indoor pool that they can use year-round.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE CONSTRUCTION of a North Bellarine Aquatic Centre has taken a dive in a different direction this morning with a $20 million commitment for an indoor pool if Labor wins the next federal election. Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Catherine King announced the pre-election pledge would fund \u201ca year-round facility for the entire […]<\/p>\n