Senator for Victoria, Sarah Henderson, has congratulated the City of Greater Geelong and Kane Constructions on their progress with construction of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre which will open in time for summer.
During a recent tour of the Drysdale site, Senator Henderson was thrilled to walk the length of the new 50 metre outdoor pool.
“Backed by $10 million from the former Coalition Government, the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when a government works closely with the community to deliver much needed facilities.”
“This aquatic facility will make a real splash when it opens. After federal Labor tried so hard to shut down this project, I am thrilled to see the centre so close to completion.”
“The North Bellarine Aquatic Centre will be a wonderful health and wellbeing asset for the Bellarine including more than 3,000 local school students.”
Following the closure of the Portarlington pool, the Bellarine community was left with no aquatic facility and a state Labor government which refused to show any interest in funding a new pool. Working hand in glove with the community, the Liberal Party devised a plan to deliver a new aquatic centre by building it in two stages – the stage 1 heated 50 metre outdoor pool facility and the stage 2 indoor pool for which concept designs are now being finalised.
“In partnership with council, the Liberals were determined to get this project underway and not leave local residents in Drysdale, Clifton Springs, Curlewis, Portarlington and other parts of the north Bellarine high and dry. By building stage 1, we forced state and federal Labor to back our vision and commit to funding a stage 2 indoor pool,” Senator Henderson said.
“I thank council for its investment of more than $5 million towards stage 1 and commend Cr Stephanie Asher, in particular, for her determination to help make this happen.”
“Before the federal election, Corangamite MP Libby Coker’s heartless plan, rejected by council, was to tear up the $15.5 million outdoor pool contract and shut down construction which was a nonsense,” Senator Henderson said.
Stage 1 comprises a 50 metre outdoor heated pool, multi-purpose building, change rooms, landscaped lawn and tiered seating. The stage 2 indoor pool complex will see the multi-purpose building extended, and is proposed to include hydrotherapy and learn-to-swim pools, gymnasium and other allied health and wellbeing facilities.
Council has advised the first stage of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre is scheduled to open by the end of 2023.