Sod turning marks beginning of Torquay's aquatic and health centre

WORKS have begun on the Surf Coast’s new aquatic facility, marked yesterday (December 4) by a sod turning ceremony.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Mike Bodsworth was joined at the site by Corangamite federal member Libby Coker and Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney on December 4, officially commemorating the start of works for stage one of the facility.

The facility is supported by previous funding commitments of $20 million from the federal government and more than $16.6 million from the Victorian government.

Ms Coker and Ms Tierney acknowledged project partner Surf Cost Shire for its $9.6 million and management and delivery of the project.

The new facility will be used by people of all ages, encouraging an increase in sport and recreation participation across the Surf Coast community.

As part of stage one works, the new facility will deliver an indoor 25m pool for lap and squad swimming, warm water indoor pool for exercise and hydrotherapy, gymnasium and program rooms, allied health suites, café and supporting amenities.

The Victorian government will fund the second stage, which will include a dedicated lap pool, splash park, spa, sauna, steam room and additional change rooms.

“The start of work on the aquatic centre is an incredible milestone for Torquay and the Surf Coast communities, marking a significant achievement that will benefit the region for years to come,” Ms

Coker said.

“I’d like to thank the state government and the Surf Coast Shire for their investment and commitment to delivering this project.”

The sod turning ceremony also unveiled the facilities new name and logo, with Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles announcing it will be known as Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

The name and logo of the new facility was unveiled at the sod turning ceremony earlier this week.

Once complete, the facility will share its entry point with the existing Wurdi Baierr Stadium.

Cr Bodsworth said the new facility would bring generational health, wellbeing, water safety and fun times for all ages to the community.

“We thank community members who have maintained and advocated for this vision across a long period and our Australiana and Victorian Government funding partners for helping enable the vision to become a reality.”

Contractor Kane Constructions has started the preliminary site preparations, which will continue until early 2025, while main construction is due to start in February. The centre is scheduled to be complete in late 2026.

For more information, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au