Federal funds sought for Winchelsea pool upgrade

THE Surf Coast Shire is seeking $2.2 million in federal funding to go along with $3.3 million of its own money to support the redevelopment of the Winchelsea Pool.

At their meeting last month, a majority of councillors resolved to endorse the submission of an expression of interest (EOI) and funding application to this year’s Growing Regions Program (GRP).

An annual competitive grants program, the GRP aims to assist capital works projects that deliver community and economic infrastructure projects across regional and rural Australia.

It provides grants of between $500,000 and $15 million to local government entities and not-for-profit organisations, with a maximum funding ratio of 1:1.

According to the report presented to councillors on July 25, the Winchelsea Pool Redevelopment project was deemed most suitable for this funding program, as it has Asset Renewal Program funding allocated within the 2023-24 budget and will be delivered by late 2024, and was ready ahead of the EOI’s closure on Tuesday last week.

“The Deans Marsh Community Hub project was also considered, however concept plans and costings will not be finalised in time, and this is the only opportunity Council will have to apply for the Winchelsea Pool project, as it is construction-and investment-ready,” officers stated.

Opening in February 1963, the Winchelsea Pool closed to the public on March 13, 2023.

The report notied “key infrastructure was at the end of its useful life and in recent years sporadic closures had occurred due to failure of components”.

Based on public feedback, the works propose to replicate the main pool, enlarge the medium pool and include a new splash park.

As the whole facility needs to be rebuilt, the concept design relocates the amenities building to the southeast of the site to create a more central entry and better connection with the playgrounds.

Speaking at the meeting, Cr Gary Allen said the GRP replaced the previous Building Better Regions Fund, and supported the shire submitting an EOI.

“If successful, it will release funds for additional asset renewal in the shire. Hopefully, the bulk of these funds can be directed to rural road renewal,” he said.

Cr Paul Barker was the lone vote against the motion, saying it was “another opportunity to grab some more taxpayer funds because we have an addiction to other people’s money”.