Sites on cards for pool
Potential locations on Bellarine identified
TWO sites have been identified as potential homes for a swimming pool on the north Bellarine.
A recently released independent scoping study identified the Drysdale Maintenance Depot site on Collins St and the planned Drysdale Regional Sports Precinct at the intersection of Grubb Rd and the new Drysdale bypass as suitable spots for a 50m outdoor pool. The study also showed strong community support for the long-soughtafter facility.
Then-Corangamite Liberal MP Sarah Henderson pledged $10 million for the project last year, on the condition it was built in the north Bellarine area.
Almost 50 per cent of respondents from Clifton Springs, Drysdale and Curlewis said improved access to aquatic facilities was a key need.
Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said the scoping study “confirmed what the Bellarine community has known for decades”.
“A 50m outdoor pool in Drysdale wouldn’t just service residents on the north Bellarine,” she said. “It would also draw lap swimmers from Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and other nearby towns. It would reduce the pressure on the Ocean Grove pool, which is at capacity.”
According to the study, it would cost $13.8 million to build the facility at the sport precinct and $15.3 million at the depot site.
Operating costs would fall between $100,000 per year for a seasonal non-heated pool, $580,000 for a seasonally heated pool and $1 million each year to heat the pool year-round.
Councillors will discuss referring the project and its operating costs for consideration as part of the 2020-21 council budget.
The study also found the need for additional facilities like a warm water pool and water play to keep up with forecasted population growth.
Corangamite Labor MP Libby Coker last week called for the community to support the expansion of the project in its later stages.
“The development of the pool precinct should be in stages, commencing with an outdoor pool, with year-round use suitable to all age groups,” she said last week.