Surf Coast council approves aquatic centre plans

THE Surf Coast Shire Council voted earlier this evening (Tuesday, June 16) to approve plans for the construction of an aquatic centre in Torquay.

The council decided to not only opt for the long-awaited 50-metre pool but to also invest a further $8.5 million towards a multi-purpose program/warm water pool, gym and group fitness rooms at the centre.

This raises the total project costs to $38.5 million. This includes a $20 million election commitment from the federal government and a $10 million election commitment from the state government.

The council had the option for the centre to simply include the 50-metre pool. However, even with the additional costs, the council does not expect it will have to make any capital contribution because of the additional revenue-raising options this option includes.

The running costs of the pool are estimated to be an average of $433,000 annually for the first 10 years.

Cr Brian McKiterick moved the motion at the meeting.

He urged his fellow councillors to capitalise on the funding from the state and federal government and claimed it was a “golden opportunity for this council.”

The only councillors to vote against the motion were Winchelsea Ward councillors James McIntyre and Heather Wellington.

The centre will adjoin the indoor basketball stadium now being constructed in between the council offices and Surf Coast Secondary College.

Cr Wellington proposed an amendment to the motion that residents who lived 15 kilometres or further from the aquatic centre would not have to contribute rates towards its running costs. However, no councillor seconded this motion.

Cr McIntyre stated he did not second Cr Wellington’s amendment because he disagreed with the pool outright.

“I don’t support the amendment because I don’t support the business case at all.

“All the modelling and all the financial reports are telling us this is not financially sustainable.”

While the council will pay the running costs, the centre itself will be managed by an independent operator.