For the past five years the Greater Geelong Council has campaigned persistently and passionately for funding for our planned Northern Aquatic and Community Hub.<\/p>\n
This $61.6 million redevelopment of Waterworld and Centenary Hall in Norlane is our top priority community project because it will be transformative for our northern suburbs.<\/p>\n
In an incredibly courageous and significant decision, the council recently voted to increase its funding commitment to the hub by a further $21.84 million.<\/p>\n
That adds to the $23 million already set aside in our draft four-year budget, taking our total commitment to $44.84 million.
\nWhat this means for the community is that this long-awaited facility is now right on the cusp of reality.<\/p>\n
Subject to our allocation of $8.26 million under the federal government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund being allocated to this project as we’ve requested, it will be fully funded and ready to be built!<\/p>\n
Given the amount of funding involved, the council’s decision was a significant one to weigh up and not taken lightly.<\/p>\n
But all councillors agreed we needed to take a bold and courageous step to bring to life the most significant community project the City of Greater Geelong has ever invested in.<\/p>\n
Put simply, the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub has the potential to change lives in our local community in the Northern suburbs and the broader Geelong community.<\/p>\n
The state-of-the-art aquatic and community facility will feature a 25-metre pool, hydrotherapy pool, cafe, gym, early childhood care, rehabilitation services, community hall and more.<\/p>\n
An assessment found it will create $111 million in preventative health benefits during its first decade in operation, attracting around 600,000 visitors each year.<\/p>\n
And so, the council’s decision to increase its contribution was all about the long-term health and social benefits to our community.<\/p>\n
While our quest to secure state and federal funding for this project has been a long one, we have been heartened by strong support from the community, and by the efforts of local members The Hon. John Eren and Victorian Senator The Hon. Sarah Henderson.<\/p>\n
The support of John Eren, our state member for Lara, led to a significant $8.5 million contribution from the Victorian Government being announced as part of its 2021-22 budget.<\/p>\n
And Sarah Henderson has been and continues to be magnificent with her support and lobbying as we seek federal funding.<\/p>\n
Alongside our hoped-for $8.26 million under the federal Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund, we’ve also made an application for $10 million in federal funding under the Building Better Regions Fund.<\/p>\n
If this application is successful, the council’s required contribution would drop to $33.84 million \u2013 reducing the impact on our future budgets somewhat.<\/p>\n
Regardless of the final cost breakdown, the most important thing for the community is that this project is no longer just a dream. It is actually going to happen.<\/p>\n
We’ll keep you updated as we reach further milestones and hopefully, it won’t be too long before we see shovels in the ground.<\/p>\n
As always, if there’s an issue or project you’d like to discuss, please get in touch: aaitken@geelongcity.vic.gov.au or 0434 307 044.<\/p>\n
Councillor Aitken represents the Windermere Ward, covering Geelong’s northern suburbs and towns, including Norlane.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
For the past five years the Greater Geelong Council has campaigned persistently and passionately for funding for our planned Northern Aquatic and Community Hub. This $61.6 million redevelopment of Waterworld and Centenary Hall in Norlane is our top priority community project because it will be transformative for our northern suburbs. In an incredibly courageous and […]<\/p>\n