Indoor pool plan takes another step

CONCEPT plans for Moorabool’s long-awaited indoor aquatic centre will move to the next stage of design after a vote at last week’s shire council meeting.

Councillors approved a concept design by Peddle Thorp Architects and projected costs within the project’s $50 million budget, directing that the architects continue with their design work.

After the council meeting, mayor Cr Steve Venditti-Taylor said the decision was “a strong outcome” for the community and reflected years of advocacy and planning.

“This is an exciting step forward for a project our community has been calling for over many years,” he said.

“Progressing the design allows us to refine the facility to best meet community needs and brings us closer to delivering a high-quality indoor aquatic centre for Moorabool.”

Cr Venditti-Taylor acknowledged the critical role of funding partners in enabling the project to reach its current stage.

“We sincerely thank the Federal Government ($25 million) and the Victorian Government ($10 million) for their contributions to this project,” he said.

“Their support, alongside council’s $15 million investment, demonstrates a shared commitment to improving health, wellbeing and liveability for our growing community.”

The indoor pool will be co-located with the Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC) in Taverner Street, Maddingley.

In its pool section it will feature a 25-metre lap pool; a warm-water pool for seniors and rehabilitation use; facilities to support learn-to-swim programs; a dry sauna, steam room and spa; a toddlers’ play area; changing facilities; and a kiosk.

Health and fitness components will include a gymnasium, group fitness areas and changing facilities.

At the council meeting, Cr Paul Tatchell sought reassurance that the federal funding was actually going to be provided.

“Everyone wants to get their picture taken with a shovel; what I’d like to see is a picture with the cheque,” Cr Tatchell said.

“It always makes me nervous because, having endured 13 years of broken promises on the swimming pool I’d just feel a bit more secure if we’re going to commit $15 million of ratepayers’ money.”

Shire CEO Derek Madden explained that the Federal Government’s election promise from Member for Hawke Sam Rae required the Shire to go through a formal grant application process to make the move official.

“We do have to submit an application, which is standard process, and as part of that process they are requiring certain milestones and certain details, and that’s what this concept design will do – close out that application,” Mr Madden said.

“It’s the tail wagging the dog a little bit, but historically, when you do get an election and you still have to put in an application, it’s just the process.

“But it’s usually straightforward.”

The Shire shares updates on the project on its website at moorabool.vic.gov.au/marc.