Labor promises $20m for indoor pool if elected

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 “a 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”.

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.

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.

The city called for tenders for construction of stage one last month, with a closing date of October 15, announcing it was continuing “to seek investment from all levels of government” to build stage two including an indoor, warm-water pool.

Community groups expressed concerns that a heated outdoor pool without shade or shelter could be unviable.

Ms King said the funding pledge, if Labor came to power at the election, meant “the Bellarine will finally have a top-quality, aquatic centre ready to be used by the entire community all year round”.

She urged the City of Greater Geelong to review the current tender process for an outdoor pool in light of Labor’s commitment.

“Aquatic centres are vital community infrastructure heavily used by people of all ages.

“It’s important these facilities are built properly to maximise community usage and maximise the value of the significant public funding investment.”

Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker said she was thrilled to secure the indoor pool funding.

“This 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.

“They can all now have access to a quality aquatic centre, including an indoor pool and allied health services.

“A contained aquatic centre, where you can control heat loss, is also important to building sustainable local infrastructure.”

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.

“Everyone on the Bellarine deserves an aquatic centre and indoor pool that they can use year-round.”