City of Greater Geelong keeps North Bellarine Aquatic Centre open during winter

Following a Council decision earlier this week, the City of Greater Geelong has resolved to keep the $15.5 million North Bellarine Aquatic Centre open year-round - operating during the cooler months.

From Saturday 1st June until Thursday 31st October, the 50-metre heated pool will open weekdays from 6-10am and Saturdays between 8am-12pm.

As planned, the summer restricted season will begin on Friday 1st November on weekdays at 6 - 10am & 3 - 6pm and from 10am - 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. From December until March, operating hours extend to 6am - 6pm on weekdays and 10am - 5pm on weekends.

Mayor Trent Sullivan shared “I thank visitors to the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre for having their say on operating hours.

“We’ve heard from Bellarine community members loud and clear that they value a year-round facility.

“Council is thrilled to be able to find budget to support the outdoor pool being open during the cooler months for recreational and competitive swimmers.

“Geelong now has six year-round aquatic facilities, the highest number across all council areas in Victoria.”

The facility had been budgeted to close between April and October this year due to financial sustainability, however a successful Urgent Business item at March’s meeting saw the centre open between 1st April – 31st May.

Council requested a report from the City investigating opportunities to enable the centre to remain open ongoing.

Keeping the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre open in winter will cost an additional $423,723, putting the total operating cost per year at $1,046,906 with a deficit of $829,597. Year-round operations will incur a further $48,000 in electricity costs. Ratepayers will subsidise each visit to the pool by $15.20.

After investigating innovative options, the City will use pool blankets in moderate wind conditions in addition to low winds to reduce electricity consumption by as much as 50% and save as much as $60,000 per year. This saving has been built into the above costs.

Councillor Elise Wilkinson added “I encourage community members to take advantage of the heated pool over the cooler months.

“To offset the increased operating costs to open all year, we need the community to show its support for the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre by increasing their usage of the facility.

“We ask that residents, who are in a position to do so, consider becoming a member at geelongaustralia.com.au/nbac to help keep the facility sustainable in the long term.”

If 100 new members signed up, revenue would increase by $55,000.

The winter season at the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre will not include afternoon sessions as they are 25% less popular each hour than morning sessions.

A review also found having morning and afternoon sessions during winter would be challenging to staff and may have resulted in service disruptions.

The federal and state governments have committed $20 million each to construct an indoor aquatic and recreation centre at the site (stage 2) which is expected to take 2-3 years to deliver.