Big plans on agenda

THE construction of three major community facilities could begin early next year, with Geelong council to consider awarding building contracts for the projects, including a controversial Drysdale pool, on Tuesday night.

Tenders for the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub in Norlane, stage one of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre in Drysdale, and the Armstrong Creek West Community Hub have all been listed on the meeting agenda.

The Northern Aquatic and Community Hub is a major redevelopment of Waterworld and Centenary Hall in Norlane, which will provide aquatic, health and recreation facilities.

It is being delivered via a $44.84m commitment from the council, with contributions from the state ($8.5m) and federal ($8.262m) governments.

The proposed construction contract to be considered by the council is for just under $54.73m, within the project’s total $61.6m budget.

Stage one of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre will include construction of a heated 50m outdoor pool and supporting facilities at the Drysdale Sports Precinct.

It is a partnership between the federal government, which has contributed $10m, and the council ($5.15m). The proposed construction contract is for just over $13m.

The project has proved politically contentious, with repeated pleas and a funding promise from federal Labor for an indoor pool.

Corangamite Labor MP Libby Coker, whose party has pledged $20m to an indoor pool if elected, has said she wants the council to hold off awarding a contract until after the upcoming federal election. The City of Greater Geelong last month called for feedback on a proposed second-stage indoor aquatic and leisure centre.

Ms Coker has said it made “so much more sense” to build a proper indoor aquatic centre in one go from the start.

The Armstrong Creek West Community Hub will provide a new kindergarten, maternal child health consulting services, and multipurpose community and activity spaces.

A $13m project, it is being funded with the help of $2.25m from the state government, with the remainder coming from the CoGG.

The proposed construction contract is for $11.45m.

For all three projects, the council will consider a panel recommendation for a preferred tenderer, identified via a competitive open process.