Pool to help community thrive

As a councillor, and now Mayor, I believe my biggest duty is to help improve the quality of life of all people in the community.

It is about making sure that people have access to the places and spaces where they feel connected to their community, stay active, learn new skills and access important services.

Being on Council provides us the ability to help existing residents – and future generations – the opportunity to live a happy and healthy life.

Delivering the infrastructure where people need it the most is one of the reasons why all Bellarine Ward councillors have been advocating for a quality aquatic centre in the northern part of the peninsula, since we were first elected in 2017.

We were able to start work on this after securing $10 million from the Federal Government.

With a further $5.5m from the Council, we are well on the way to delivering stage one of the project in the Drysdale Sporting Precinct.

Work is progressing well, with the shell of the 50-metre outdoor pool recently finished and ready to be filled with water for testing.

All elements of the first stage – the year-round heated eight-lane pool, all-abilities change facilities, an entry pavilion, a kiosk, tiered covered seating, landscaping, tree plantings and car parking – are expected to be complete by the middle of 2023.

This will provide more than 3500 students from neighbouring schools with convenient aquatic facilities, and cater for lap swimmers and aqua exercise users from the community.

In the meantime, we’re moving forward on finalising the plans for stage two of the aquatic and leisure centre.

The Victorian state election campaign provided us with surety about funding.

Thanks to advocacy efforts, we secured commitments of $20m from both the Labor and Liberal parties.

Along with the Federal Government’s commitment of a further $20m, we have a total of $40m to deliver the indoor section of project.

Council determined its priorities for the indoor facilities in April 2021.

These include a warm water pool, spa, sauna, steam room, aqua play, hydrotherapy and Learn to Swim programs.

It will also consider opportunities for indoor lap swimming, in response to recent community feedback.

The warm water exercise pool would set a regional standard for gentle exercise and rehabilitation, and a learn-to-swim pool would allow kids to get in the water close to home.

To help us identify and finalise design options, Council is establishing a new Community Advisory Panel.

The volunteer panel will include up to 12 members of the community, with a focus on attracting people who are connected to:

• local schools
• aquatic clubs / users
• North Bellarine Advocacy Group
• culturally and linguistically diverse and disability groups; or
• aquatic design experts

Throughout the planning for the North Bellarine Aquatic and Leisure Centre, the Bellarine Ward councillors have been keen to ensure the community has a major say in what we ultimately deliver.

The advisory panel is a great opportunity for people from across the community to have their say and help shape this important community facility.

Providing ongoing opportunities for community members to share their feedback on the plans means we’ll achieve the best outcome.

I encourage also interested residents to visit https://yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/nbalc and consider applying.

Applications close at 9am on Monday, December 19 2022.