City of Greater Geelong aims to secure $45 million funding for indoor facility at North Bellarine Aquatic Centre

With construction works currently underway on the outdoor 50-metre pool at North Bellarine Aquatic Centre in the Drysdale Sporting Precinct, City of Greater Geelong is aiming to secure $45 million in joint funding from the Victorian and Australian Governments for Stage 2 of this project, which includes complementary indoor facilities.

Council endorsed Stage 2 plans include a leisure pool, learn-to-swim pool and warm water pool indoors, with the under-constructon 50-metre pool to remain outdoors.

The completed outdoor eight lane heated pool will be suitable for swimming carnivals, learn to swim and various aquatic programs and will include all abilities change facilities, an entry pavilion, a kiosk, tiered covered seating, a landscaped community lawn area with umbrellas, more than 100 trees, and parking for 60 cars.

In 2021, City of Greater Geelong awarded Kane Constructions Pty Ltd the contract to construct Stage 1 of the North Bellarine Aquatic and Leisure Centre, with work on the $15.5 million project getting underway in May 2022. Stage 1 is jointly funded from the Australian Government ($10 million) and the City of Greater Geelong ($5.5 million).

The concept plans for the outdoor pool that were endorsed by Council in April 2021 allow for the project to be delivered in stages, including a complementary indoor facility – for which Council is now aiming to secure funding.

North Bellarine pool campaigners say there’s renewed optimism that governments will come to the party and help fund an indoor aquatic centre.

The North Bellarine Aquatic Centre Advocacy Group (NBACAC) recently hosted an information forum for residents interested in the major infrastructure project at The Potato Shed, Drysdale.

Federal member for Corangamite Libby Coker, Bellarine state election candidates Alison Marchant and Donny Grigau, City of Greater Geelong staff and experienced aquatic recreation businessman Damian Gorman all formed part of the guest panel that gave their views and answered questions from a crowd of around 60 community members.

NBAC advocates remain hopeful of securing further funding for an indoor aquatic centre that includes a lap pool alongside a warm water hydrotherapy pool.

Council has highlighted the health and wellbeing benefits of the indoor facility:

• The proposed indoor facility featuring a spa, sauna and steam room would particularly support the health and wellbeing of senior residents and people with disabilities. This service is not available at the indoor centre in Ocean Grove.

• The gymnasium and group fitness rooms promote health and fitness while also generating income for the centre. Families with young children would be able to access indoor water play facilities locally rather than travelling 10km to the indoor centre in Ocean Grove.

• The warm water exercise pool would set a regional standard for gentle exercise and rehabilitation, while a new learn to swim pool would be used by adults and children of all abilities

• The café would provide a community socialising and gathering space for up to 30 people.

Delivering an aquatic facility for the North Bellarine has been a priority of the Bellarine Councillors since 2017. An independent study funded by Council in March 2020 found communities such as Drysdale, Curlewis, Portarlington, St Leonards and Indented Head have lesser access to aquatic facilities than those elsewhere in Greater Geelong.

Council sought community feedback on the proposed Stage 2 works, and over almost eight weeks (from November 2021 to January 2022) they received more than 160 submissions, including seven submissions from local and aquatic groups representing hundreds of members and connections.

Image: North Bellarine Aquatic Centre Stage 2 initial concept