Shire to drive up community support for pool

THE Surf Coast Shire has widened its advocacy for more funding for the proposed aquatic centre in Torquay to enlist the community’s support, and some groups are already on board.

Earlier this month, the shire launched a new page about the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre where people can send an email “to those who might be especially influential in helping to secure the funding as we approach the November state election”.

The page notes the shire has already passed several milestones for the project, including having an approved concept design, a site secured and $39.25 million committed in funding, and was awaiting the outcomes of a combined $5.4 million in state grants.

“What we still need is an additional $7.5 million to make the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre a reality, with lasting health and wellbeing benefits for our community,” the page states.

To be built next to Wurdi Baierr Stadium in Torquay North, the centre’s concept plans include a 25m outdoor pool with provision for it to be enclosed in the future, two 20x10m warm water indoor pools for learn to swim activities, leisure and hydrotherapy; and a gymnasium, accessible change rooms and amenities, multipurpose exercise areas and allied health suites.

 

Surf Coast Aquatic Leisure Centre Action Group (SCALCAG) has been leading local advocacy for an aquatic and wellness centre in Torquay for more than 15 years, using the slogan “build it and they will swim” more recently.

SCALCAG president Colin Fowler said there had also been many efforts over the preceding decades.

“There have been several groups since 1964 wanting this to happen!”

Mr Fowler said now was time to act, given the recent population increases and the number of babies being born locally.

“With the costs of building materials rising because of the past two years, along with the construction material cost increases over that same period, the council need to find extra funding to complete this important local project.

“We need a little extra support from our local and state governments now to make this project finally a reality for our region.”

Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club president Brett Thompson said a pool was “so important” for Torquay, although he would prefer an indoor 50-metre facility, especially for training during the colder months.

“All our training squads go to Geelong to train at pools in Geelong, and our Nippers are behind the eight-ball with their swimming because there’s not enough pools in the area to swim over winter; it’s the most important time to get those skills and fitness going.

“Over the past two years with COVID and not being able to use pools in Geelong, we can see that the skills from our Nippers are not as good as they have been previously.”

Emails from the shire’s page will be sent directly to Polwarth Liberal MP Richard Riordan, South Barwon Labor MP Darren Cheeseman, Labor candidate for Polwarth Hutch Hussein, Liberal candidate for South Barwon Andrew Katos, and state Labor ministers Harriet Shing (Regional Development), Ros Spence (Community Sport), Jacinta Allan (Commonwealth Games Delivery and Deputy Premier), Steve Dimopoulos (Tourism, Sport and Major Events) and Shaun Leane (Commonwealth Games Legacy).

Shire mayor Libby Stapleton encouraged the community to show their support for the project by sharing their views with MPs and candidates ahead of the November 26 poll.

“Community support is vital if we are to demonstrate the health and wellbeing value of the project to potential funding partners.”

For more information on the project, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/About-us/Works-and-projects/Surf-Coast-Aquatic-and-Health-Centre