A planning permit has been issued for the long-awaited 50-metre outdoor pool at the Drysdale Sports Precinct, paving the way for construction work to start this month.
The planning approval for the stage one $15.5 million outdoor facility comes as the City of Greater Geelong releases community feedback on its illustrative plans for a complementary indoor aquatic and leisure centre to be delivered in stage
two.
The City is working to secure $45 million in joint funding from the Victorian and Australian governments to deliver the stage two indoor facility.
Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said more than 160 submissions were received, including seven submissions from local and aquatic groups representing hundreds of members and connections.
“For too long the Bellarine community has had less access to aquatic facilities than other areas of Greater Geelong, so we’re excited that work will start on the outdoor pool within weeks,” he said.
“The stage one facility will provide more than 3500 students from neighbouring schools with essential learn-to-swim facilities, as well as lap swimming, water exercise and general recreation for the broader community.
“It’s clear community support is there for stage two, and we hope to see funding commitments from the major parties in the lead up to the state and federal elections.”
Stage one of the development is being funded via $10 million from the Australian government and $5.5 million from the City of Greater Geelong.
Bellarine Ward Councillor Jim Mason said the outdoor pool will be suitable for family use, learn to swim classes, water exercise classes, and local and school and carnivals.
“North Bellarine residents will no longer face drives of up to 35 minutes to the nearest 50-metre outdoor pool when the new facility opens next year,” he said.
“Sustainability is a key priority, and the facility will be powered using a 16kw solar system. The City team will also plant more than 100 trees, deliver shade areas, car parking for 60 cars plus two electric vehicle charging stations.”
The indicative plan for a complementary indoor aquatic and leisure centre was developed based on submissions made by the community to Council in April 2021 and further consultation with the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre Advocacy Group.
The indicative plans include a warm water pool for hydrotherapy, indoor learn-to-swim and aqua play facilities, as well as a gym, group fitness space and indoor change facilities.
Community feedback was conducted over almost eight weeks from Thursday 11 November 2021 to Tuesday 4 January 2022.
The results showed:
• 73 per cent of respondents indicated the stage two designs are what they had imagined or were almost there
• 71 per cent of respondents indicated they would support the city advocating to the state and federal government to fund stage two based on these plans
• 83 per cent of respondents indicated they would use the stage two indoor aquatic and leisure centre.
The City is now reviewing all of the feedback in detail with consideration of how the concepts for stage two can best meet the community’s needs. A final engagement report will be released mid-year.
