Motion ‘up the Creek’

By Cherie Donnellan
SURF Coast Shire’s plan for a public pool has confused politicians, community groups and Geelong’s council.
Surf Coast councillors voted last week for a “regional aquatic facility in Armstrong Creek – North Torquay”.
Newspaper reports said land would be set aside in north Torquay but federal Member for Corangamite Darren Cheeseman said he understood the motion as proposing the facility for Armstrong Creek.
“It indicated to me that officers wished to see a pool built in Armstrong Creek first and that they want to investigate that with City of Greater Geelong,” Mr Cheeseman said.
“I believe the real need is in Surf Coast Shire where the population is living.”
Mr Cheeseman said a feasibility study several years ago recognised that Torquay’s population needed to grow before warranting a pool.
The shire’s ongoing growth should be considered, he said.
“There are 15,000-odd residents living in Torquay-Jan Juc corridor and that number will grow.
“We should be updating the feasibility study, which would show the population growth that has occurred on the Surf Coast.”
Surf Coast Leisure Centre Action Group spokesman Tony Smales said he needed clarification on council’s motion.
The group would not support council directing development of a pool in Armstrong Creek, he said.
“Whatever comes of the process outlined in council’s motion, we look forward to the outcome and hope it finds that north Torquay is the most appropriate.
“Armstrong Creek doesn’t provide the appropriate location that we’re seeking.”
Geelong councillor for planning Rod MacDonald said the shire was yet to contact Geelong’s council about using Armstrong Creek’s planned pool for Surf Coast residents.
“We’ll have to look at our strategic position and consider whether it’s suitable.”
Cr Dean Webster confirmed council had “set aside” land on the north-east corner of Torquay’s civic precinct.
“It’ll be up to the new council to keep the land reserved and commence funding bids for the project.”
Cr Webster said Armstrong Creek was included in the wording of the motion to enhance the chances of a Torquay pool securing funding from other levels of government.
A Torquay pool could service Armstrong Creek residents until they had their own facility, he said.