50m pool plan still afloat

Mayor confirms council feasibility study

GEELONG Mayor Stephanie Asher said she backs the construction of a 50-metre pool for the Bellarine.

Before the May federal election, then Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson announced that a re-elected Morrison Government would fund $10 million for a new 50m outdoor pool complete with change room facilities, contingent on this facility being on the north Bellarine.

“I can confirm that I support Sarah Henderson’s $10 million election commitment for a 50m pool for the northern Bellarine,” Cr Asher said. “The city has commenced a feasibility study for a 50m pool in the Bellarine.

“The feasibility study will consider feedback gathered through the social infrastructure plan community engagement process.”

In May, the cost of constructing a 50m outdoor pool complete with membrane roof was assessed at about $7 million, Senator Henderson said.

About $3 million has been allocated to change rooms, a kiosk and other facilities.

“Based on extensive community feedback I received at the time, the preferred locations are Drysdale or Portarlington,” she said.

“I continue to call on the state Labor Government to fund stage 2 of this facility being an indoor hydrotherapy/ program pool.”

Senator Henderson said it was “surprising” that the member for Corangamite Libby Coker was only now meeting community members about these much-needed facilities.

“Why did she not listen before the election,?” she asked.

“In refusing to commit to any funding except for a small amount for a feasibility study, the member has once again demonstrated her ineffectiveness as a local representative.

“Rather than seek to divide the community, the current member should be lobbying the Victorian Government for stage 2 funding to construct an indoor hydrotherapy pool. The bottom line is that we need both a 50m pool and an indoor pool.”

Last week, Senator Henderson met Surf Coast Shire Mayor Rose Hodge and CEO Keith Baillie, who raised concerns about the cost of a Surf Coast aquatic centre including a 50m pool.

“On behalf of the Morrison

Government, I was delighted to secure $20 million for a new Surf Coast aquatic centre in Torquay which is contingent on this including a 50m pool,” she said.

“Along with the state’s commitment of $10 million, this presents Surf Coast Shire with an incredible and unique opportunity to construct a stateof-the-art aquatic centre.

“I am very hopeful that the shire will support and help fund a proper aquatic facility complete with 50m pool which is in the best interests of Surf Coast residents.”