Hobsons Bay City Council calls for funding to help deliver Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre

Hobsons Bay City Council has endorsed the preliminary concept plan for the Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre at Bruce Comben Reserve in the Melbourne suburb of Altona Meadows but is calling for state and federal government funding to help realise the project.

Council intends to contribute $20 million to the facility, contingent on funding from the other two tiers of government and is calling on the community to show its support.

Mayor of Hobsons Bay Peter Hemphill notes “Council has committed $20 million to the Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre, but we can’t fund it alone. We need the state and federal governments to come on board and partner with us to deliver this project for our city. I urge everyone to pledge their support to show how important it is for our community.”

The preliminary concept plan for the Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre will have a strong focus on providing for people with a disability, and will include an eight-lane 25m pool, learn to swim pool, aqua play splash pad, leisure water, and toddler pool; wellness centre with warm water pool, spa and sauna; gymnasium; change facilities; café with indoor and outdoor seating; offices; and carparking. The early years zone will accommodate three- and four-year-old kindergarten, and maternal and child health services

The Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre is one of two projects considered to be key pillars in the Hobsons Bay Aquatic Strategy that will ensure a significant increase in the number of people who will access aquatic facilities at the western end of the city. Council also endorsed the draft McCormack Park master plan that will guide the future redevelopment of this popular reserve in Laverton.

The Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre will service a population catchment of 60,000-70,000 living within 5km, including the area currently served by the Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre, which sits on McCormack Park. The Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre will remain operational and maintained until the completion of the Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre.

The Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre preliminary concept plan and the draft McCormack Park master plan will be open for a six-week community consultation period from Monday 15th August 2022. The community can provide their feedback online or attend a feedback session.

Image: Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre render