Geelong Council extends outdoor swimming season at North Bellarine Aquatic Centre

The City of Greater Geelong has resolved to extend the outdoor swimming season at North Bellarine Aquatic Centre for the next two months following the passing of an urgent business item at a Council meeting on Tuesday night.

Opened in November, the $15.5 million heated facility was budgeted to close between April and October 2024, due to financial sustainability.

However, following the Easter Monday public holiday, the 50-metre outdoor pool will open from Tuesday 2nd April to Friday 31st May on weekdays between 6am to 10am and 3pm to 6pm, and on Saturdays from 8am to 12pm.

The extended operating hours will require a reallocation of $96,000 from the 2023/24 operating budget to cover staff wages and fixed costs such as utilities.

A report will be brought back to the Council in May to identify opportunities to enable the facility to remain open ongoing.

Commenting on the extended opening hours, Greater Geelong Mayor, Trent Sullivan advised “after listening carefully to residents’ feedback about the upcoming closure, we have found additional funding to ensure the pool stays open.

“We’re pleased that the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre will continue to be used by squad and recreational swimmers, and residents who just enjoy the warm water and socialising.

“As many people would appreciate, swimming builds strength, increases mobility, assists rehabilitation and contributes to a healthy mindset, and as such the need to ensure residents had a place to go during winter was strong.”

Mayor Sullivan added “as recent infrastructure projects - including the $64 million Northern Aquatic and Community Hub in Norlane - attest, Council is dedicated to delivering quality spaces and places where they are needed, and the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre has filled a clear gap in our aquatics and leisure network.”

Image: North Bellarine Aquatic Centre. Credit: City of Greater Geelong.