Seeking community support for aquatic centre

Published on 03 October 2022

Surf Coast Shire Council is seeking to rally further community support for the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre, with additional funding still required to enable the project to proceed.

Mayor Libby Stapleton encouraged community members to show their support for the project by sharing their views with MPs and candidates during the run up to the Victorian election.

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

“We are still actively pursuing all funding options, and the timing is critical now with the election coming up in November.”

Community members can visit www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/aquatic to support the funding campaign.

Council at its September meeting noted an update on the project, with key points including:

• Realisation of the project centres on securing an additional $7.55 million in funding.
• Since Council’s last update in June there have been no further funding commitments.
• Announcement of a new Geelong region Commonwealth Games aquatic venue is imminent, with potential locations for the venue understood to include Armstrong Creek.
• A new aquatic centre at Armstrong Creek would have significant implications for the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre in Torquay North, influencing planning, patronage and revenue.
• Consideration would need to be given to avoiding unnecessary duplication of facilities, compromising of financial performance and inefficient use of public funds for construction and operation of neighbouring centres.

“We have been in discussion with Commonwealth Games representatives pitching development of our Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre as a potential training or competition venue, and encouraging them to leave a legacy for our region,” Cr Stapleton said.

“While we await a Games announcement we need to press ahead with our planning and continue to seek funding. We are determined to close the gap by exploring other solutions such as philanthropic donations and business community support and invite interested parties to get in touch with us.

“We need to do all that we can to secure a centre which will support our community’s health and wellbeing needs.”

Council’s concept plans for the centre, to adjoin Wurdi Baierr Stadium, include:

• Two warm water indoor pools each measuring approximately 20x10m and suitable for learn to swim activities, leisure and hydrotherapy.
• A 25m seasonal pool with provision for it to be enclosed in the future.
• Gymnasium, accessible change rooms and amenities, multipurpose exercise areas and allied health suites which will deliver health and wellbeing benefits and ensure the centre’s financial viability.

Council has committed $5.75 million to the project, combining with funding of $20 million from the Australian Government and $13.5 million from the Victorian Government.