Greater Geelong’s newest aquatic centre was officially opened this week, with stage one of its construction complete.
Member for Corangamite Libby Coker and Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan officiated over proceedings at the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre (NBAC) at Drysdale on Tuesday, October 31.
Mayor Sullivan also visited the NBAC early Wednesday morning to join the rest of the public for the centre’s first day of operation.
With stage one complete, the centre currently offers an eight-lane, 50-metre outdoor pool, a kiosk with outdoor seating, electric vehicle charging and all-abilities change facilities.
Stage two will see the addition of a 25-metre indoor pool, a cafe, gym and group exercise areas and other facilities.
Stage one was funded by the federal government ($10m) and the City of Greater Geelong ($5.5m), while $40.3 million stage two works will mostly be funded by the state and federal governments ($20m each).
Ms Coker said the completion of stage one was a great milestone and she now looks forward to stage two of this important project.
“Stage one is now complete, the outdoor pool is open, and we are now one step closer to building the $40 million stage two indoor aquatic centre,” Ms Coker said.
“The much-anticipated stage two project will include facilities for lap swimming, warm water exercise, learn to swim and hydrotherapy; I know our local community can’t wait for this indoor pool.
“I look forward to celebrating with them over the coming days as we mark the opening of stage one, an important milestone for this project. Our government is working closely with the City of Greater Geelong to make sure this project gets underway as soon as possible.
“This Sunday is open day. I encourage everyone to come along and make the most of the new outdoor pool.”
Bellarine Ward Councillor Jim Mason said the community benefited when the different levels of government worked together.
“A project of this size and ambition is best delivered with input and support from our federal and state partners,” Cr Mason said.
“We’d like to acknowledge the federal government for investing $10 million into this first stage, and to both the federal and state governments for allocating $20 million to enable a range of indoor facilities to be added.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the second stage of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre take shape and providing high-quality facilities to the community for many years to come.”
