Solution close for pool cash ‘puzzle’

THE Surf Coast Shire mayor is confident the council will “quickly find a way” to resolve a $500,000 shortfall to get the proposed $39.25m Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre off the ground.

Cr Libby Stapleton said the council was working towards finalising the “funding puzzle” to deliver the Torquay project.

“We’ve never been closer to resolving this longstanding and complex project,” she said.

The state government recently tipped in another $3.5m to help build the facility.

External funding for the pool has hit $33.5m, with the state government previously committing $10m, while the federal government has put in $20m.

The council is also set to provide a further $5.25m, but may be required to up its contribution by $500,000 to reach the full funding target.

The move comes after the council originally planned to build the pool on the proviso it would not provide any capital funds of its own.

The aquatic centre, which is due to be integrated with the Wurdi Baierr Stadium, is expected to include a 50m pool, warm water pool, gym, group fitness rooms and allied health rooms.

Planning reports outline that the centre is estimated to have an average annual operating cost of $433,000 over the first decade.

The council endorsed a project scope and capital funding strategy for the project in June, but it later hit a hurdle after being unsuccessful with a previous state government funding application.

The proposed centre is one of the council’s advocacy priorities alongside the new $28m Torquay cultural facility and library, and a $12m Torquay town centre revitalisation project.

Councillors are set to discuss the aquatic centre at Tuesday’s council meeting.