Feasibility report reveals best option for aquatic centre in Torquay

THE Surf Coast Shire council should build a $38 million aquatic centre in Torquay with two pools, a gym and group fitness rooms, according to a feasibility study.

The council commissioned the study – which will be considered at a special council meeting next week – in response to the $30 million collectively on offer from both the state Labor and federal Liberal governments for the aquatic centre.

The report to councillors notes the “current funding commitments are significant and present a unique opportunity to resolve this matter at the lowest possible cost to current and future generations of ratepayers”.

“Drawing on the findings of the Testing the Water community consultation exercise undertaken in 2015, it is essential that Council minimises ongoing costs.”

The study proposes two possible solutions for the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre:

• Option one is a 50 metre pool with eight lanes, a moveable floor and swim wall, at a cost of $29.98 million and an average operating cost of  $806,000 over the first 10 years.
• Option two is the same as option one, plus a multi-purpose program/warm water pool, gym and group fitness rooms, at a cost of $38.52 million and an average operating cost of $433,000 over the first 10 years.

The report recommends that councillors proceed with option two, noting that the larger facility needs another $8.5 million in capital investment “to ensure that essential revenue-raising elements can be included to offset operational costs”.

“If the balance of required capital funding is secured through additional government grants, Council can avoid loan servicing expenses and preserve its capacity to invest in other vital infrastructure throughout the Surf Coast Shire in future years.”

The special council meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 16.