Hobsons Bay City Council pauses plans for proposed aquatic centre

Hobsons Bay City Council has announced it will pause advocacy efforts for its proposed Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre in Altona Meadows pending a review of the project.

Councillors last week voted unanimously to pause the project until a review of the Hobsons Bay Aquatic Strategy 2019-30 takes place and the endorsement of the new 2025-29 Council Plan.

The aquatic strategy, which was endorsed by Council in July 2019, recommended two district-level aquatic centres in Hobsons Bay - the existing BayFit facility in Altona North as well as another centre in the west of the municipality.

The development of the new Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre was proposed to replace the Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre, with initial draft project cost estimates of $40 million.

Announcing the pause, and seemingly mindful of the rising costs of a number of aquatic facility developments around the country, Hobsons Bay Mayor, Daria Kellander explained “a lot has changed since 2019. A review of this strategy is needed to ensure responsible use of Council funds while recognising the potential financial risks to Hobsons Bay City Council and our ratepayers.

“Due to the significant increases in cost, it is essential for Council to pause this project. Council is keen to carry out the review over the coming 12 months so a feasible approach to the provision of aquatics facilities can be provided across the municipality.

“We have seen an example of a Council in NSW that has had to double its rates to build a pool that it couldn’t afford. We want to avoid putting ourselves in a similar situation - where we can’t maintain our essential assets like roads, footpaths, buildings and drains, or are forced to cut core services.”

While the Victorian Government made an election pledge of $10 million to the project in 2022, the Council says that despite advocacy and funding submissions, no Federal Government funding has been forthcoming.

In that time, estimated costs for the centre have escalated to nearly $100 million, while the Laverton facility has undergone $2.5 million worth of necessary renovation works to extend its operating life.

The Council confirmed that the review will take place over the course of the 2025/26 financial year.

Images: Concepts for Hobsons Bay City Council’s proposed Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre.