Call for pool at Drysdale

Liberal MP says it’s clear the Bellarine needs another aquatic centre

A NEW pool and “water safety centre” should be built in Drysdale, a Liberal MP has proposed.

Western Victoria state Liberal MP Simon Ramsay has called on the State Government to investigate the construction of a water safety centre at Drysdale’s sports precinct.

Mr Ramsay is seeking support for the proposal through a petition he plans to table in Parliament, seeking funding for a water safety centre on the Bellarine.

The centre would host a pool and further features to enable emergency service training.

“With the closure of the Portarlington pool and the near capacity at the Shell Rd Reserve Aquatic Centre, it’s very clear that the Bellarine needs another pool,” Mr Ramsay said.

“With school clusters around the Drysdale Sports precinct it would make sense to consider that location.”

Bellarine state Labor MP Lisa Neville said she would continue to work with the community to ensure they had the facilities they needed most.

“I have been working with the local community to deliver the facilities they need including the new Drysdale Sporting Precinct to provide for soccer, football and cricket and new courts at St Ignatius College in Drysdale,” she said.

“Given the previous Liberal government, that Simon Ram- say was a member of, funded no new sporting facilities for the Bellarine, he cannot be trusted.”

Mr Ramsay said tourists and international visitors would be able to use the centre to better prepare for the dangers of Victorian beaches.

“International visitors and new migrants are over-represented in drowning figures and water rescues in this state. Having access to a water safety centre would help provide a safer learning space.”

The Victorian Coalition will prioritise the Swimming in Schools program if elected in November, Mr Ramsay said — but he did not offer a funding guarantee.

The plan comes after Portarlington Pool owners shocked swimmers by closing its doors indefinitely in September. Melbourne-based owner Tom Montalto has committed to reopening the facility, spending $20,000 to bring it up to standard.

Mr Montalto has been contacted for an update on the pool’s reopening.

“Given the previous Liberal government, that Simon Ramsay was a member of, funded no new sporting facilities for the Bellarine, he cannot be trusted.” BELLARINE LABOR MP LISA NEVILLE