Senator Sarah Henderson welcomed the Council report recommending the Drysdale Sport Precinct as the preferred location for the proposed North Bellarine 50 metre outdoor pool.
“The Geelong community is one step closer to realising the North Bellarine pool vision and the Morrison Liberal Government’s $10 million commitment will help deliver that dream,” Senator Henderson said.
“I’ll continue to support North Bellarine families and will maintain the fight to get them the sporting and leisure facilities they deserve.”
“The facility is not only vital for swimming safety and community health and well-being. Its construction will also support many local jobs which are very much needed for our local economy as we navigate the economic challenges of COVID-19.”
Senator Henderson challenged the State Labor Government to show support for local residents by committing funding to Stage 2.
“While the Morrison Government is delivering $10 million to fully fund a 50 metre outdoor pool and change rooms (Stage 1) in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong, we need State Labor Government funding for a proposed indoor pool and ancillary facilities to be built adjacent to the outdoor pool (Stage 2).”
“State Labor needs to step up and support North Bellarine.”
Senator Henderson encouraged local residents to sign the community petition at https://sarahhenderson.com.au/petition-pools/
“Together, we can secure all the funding we need for these vital community facilities.”
Council has estimated the total cost of the development at the Drysdale sporting precinct site is $13.787 million, made up of building works $6.623m; external works and services (eg shared carpark) $2.196m; ESD initiatives (ecologically sustained development) $477,000; contingency and cost escalation $1.91m and non-construction costs $1.861m.
I am very pleased there is no funding shortfall for the pool construction and ancillary works and trust Council will find additional funding to deliver the full scope of this project.
“I am delighted that Morrison Government is also contributing, by way of an election commitment, $3.5 million to the next phase of development at the sports precinct.”
Senator Henderson congratulated Greater Geelong Mayor, Cr Stephanie Asher, the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre Advocacy Group and Greater Geelong Council officers on the significant progress they had made.
9 August 2020