Federal funding boost for Frankston Regional Aquatic Centre

The Federal Government is to contribute $13.5 million towards construction of the Frankston Regional Aquatic Centre.

Regional Australia Minister Simon Crean recently announced the federal grant at Frankston's Samuel Sherlock Reserve, where the aquatic centre will be built.

Frankston won the grant in the second round of the Regional Australia Development Fund (RDAF) grants scheme after failing to secure the cash in the first round.

The City Council city received the lion's share of the $38.8 million distributed to nine Victorian priority projects which met social and economic development criteria.

Announcing the funding, Minister Crean told councillors and government representatives "I understand this has been on the books for seven years and is something you have fought for. It is a great day for you."

The $46.35 million project has been under consideration for 12 years and has also been backed by the Victorian Government which has committed $12.5 million to the project.

Design of the facility, by architects William Ross is currently being finalised, with construction set to begin in late August.

Looking forward to the finished facility, Frankston Mayor Brian Cunial stated "the aquatic centre is expected to attract 700,000 visitors each year (and) will create about 300 jobs during construction and around 120 ongoing positions."

The new Centre is expected to feature:

• A 51.5-metre Olympic sized swimming pool;
• Learn to swim pool;
• Café;
• Gymnasium;
• Water slides;
• Leisure pool with play area;
• Environmentally Sustainable Design;
• Warm water therapy pool, spa and sauna;
• Additional program space;
• Crèche and wellness centre hosting health professionals; and
• Landscaping.

Other Victorian projects sharing RDAF funding include the Dandenong Connects community precinct, the Melton Library and Learning Hub, visitor and information upgrades on the Mildura Riverfront, the Ovens Riverside Precinct and the redevelopment of the Wedderburn Community Centre.

For more information go to www.regional.gov.au/regional/programs/rdaf.aspx