Corangamite MP Libby Coker has been caught out misleading Bellarine residents after falsely claiming that $15.45 million in Commonwealth and council funds, being used to construct a 50 metre outdoor heated pool, is up for grabs by the Labor Party, if elected.
Despite Labor’s best efforts to throw a wrecking ball at this project, construction of Stage 1 of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre, at Drysdale Sporting Precinct, is contracted, fully-funded and proceeding full steam ahead.
As confirmed by Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck, half of the Commonwealth’s $10 million contribution to the outdoor pool is payable to council this year – $2.5 million was paid in June 2021 and another $2.5 million is due next month, subject to project reporting.
I wish to assure Bellarine residents that Labor has no legal authority, under a binding funding agreement with council, to shut down construction of the outdoor pool or seize any of the Commonwealth money allocated to this project.
Libby Coker’s divisive and under-funded plan is nothing more than a cruel hoax.
The Stage 1 50 metre outdoor pool, which will be heated and open all year round, will include change rooms, kiosk and community lawn. With design works completed and the construction tender underway, construction is scheduled to begin early next year.
The Morrison Liberal Government is getting on with the job of delivering this wonderful asset for the Bellarine which will not only boost community health and well-being, but save lives.
Our focus now is to work with the community and other levels of government to fund and deliver a Stage 2 indoor pool facility, complete with warm water hydrotherapy pool, gymnasium, aqua play area and ancillary health facilities, to be built alongside the outdoor pool. Council is currently working on concept designs for Stage 2.
Working together, we can do this.
10 October 2021