The north Bellarine has changed rapidly over the past decade.
New families have moved in, our coastal towns have grown and demand for local facilities has increased, yet our residents still have to travel significant distances to swim indoors.
Stage two of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre builds on the existing facility by introducing an indoor pool to improve year-round access for the local community.
The outdoor facility was opened in late 2023 and has already proved a huge success, and I’m pleased to report that construction of the indoor component of the centre is now well underway.
The community has long advocated for an indoor swimming facility on the North Bellarine, as for too long they’ve needed to travel long distances for winter swimming lessons or warm water exercise.
When complete, the indoor centre will include a 25-metre pool with eight lanes to support lap swimming, school programs and community use.
A dedicated warm water pool will provide a welcoming space for gentle exercise and rehabilitation programs.
Warm water exercise is particularly valuable for people living with arthritis, managing chronic pain or recovering from injury.
Accessibility has also been central to the design, with access ramps in the pools as well as accessible change rooms and a thoughtfully designed layout to ensure the centre can be comfortably used by people of all abilities and life stages.
Extended parking facilities, with accessible spaces and improved pathways will also make visiting the facility easier and safer for families, older residents and people with mobility challenges.
The addition of a gymnasium and group fitness classes means people can keep fit in a variety of ways close to home.
Meanwhile, the cafe and welcoming foyer will help establish the centre as a social hub for the wider Bellarine community.
The Australian and Victorian governments have each committed $20 million to the project, with the City contributing up to $300,000.
As construction progresses, there have been some temporary changes made to access and seasonal operations to keep everyone safe.
The outdoor pool will continue to operate in the short term, with access through an alternate entrance.
This measure will remain in effect until mid to late April, when the facility will close completely until mid-October.
This closure is necessary due to the construction activities taking place and the need to repurpose some plant equipment for the new indoor facility.
Construction works are progressing well and it’s exciting to see the pool hall and supporting spaces beginning to rise from the site.
The completed centre will support learn-to-swim programs, rehabilitation, fitness training and everyday recreation opportunities.
It will also reduce the need for long travel to access indoor aquatic facilities, particularly for families in Portarlington, St Leonards, Indented Head and Drysdale.
Most importantly, it represents a lasting investment in the health, wellbeing and liveability of the north Bellarine for decades to come.
I’m proud of the community’s advocacy on this project and I look forward to the opening, projected to be mid-2027.
To keep up to date with progress, visit geelongaustralia.com.au/nbacproject
