It is an exciting time for the Geelong region and as mayor it brings me great pleasure to be able to update you on some of Council’s priority projects across the municipality.
Our priority projects help us manage population growth while maintaining and investing in what people love about living in this region.
On the Bellarine, construction on the first stage of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre began in May 2022. Work is progressing well, with the shell of the 50-metre outdoor pool recently finished and ready to be filled with water for testing.
All elements of the first stage – the year-round heated eight-lane pool, all-abilities change facilities, an entry pavilion, a kiosk, tiered covered seating, landscaping, tree plantings and car parking – are expected to be complete by mid-2023.
This facility will provide more than 3500 students from neighbouring schools with convenient aquatic facilities and cater for lap swimmers and aqua exercise users from the community.
We were able to start work on this project in the Drysdale Sporting Precinct after securing $10 million from the federal government with Council contributing a further $5.5m.
Since the November state election, Council has progressed planning the second stage of the project, and thanks to advocacy efforts, we have seen $20m commitments from both the state and federal governments.
This means we have a total of $40 million to deliver the indoor section of this first-class facility.
To ensure the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre meets the needs of the community now and into the future, Council recently announced the development of a community advisory panel.
The panel will provide community perspectives on the design options for the second stage of the aquatic centre, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
The panel will be comprised of up to 12 members that represent the following areas of interest within the community:
· Local Schools.
· Aquatic Clubs / users.
· North Bellarine Advocacy Group (NBAG).
· Specific Users (i.e., culturally and linguistically diverse and disability groups).
· Additional expertise in aquatic design.
The advisory panel is a great opportunity to help shape the direction of this much-needed
community facility and I encourage residents to consider applying.
Applications are open until 9am on Monday 19 December 2022 and can be made via
yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/NBAC-EOI
In the north, the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub (NACH) construction is well underway.
This landmark community facility is anticipated to result in $111 million worth of preventative health benefits during its first ten years of operation.
The Council felt so strongly about this project that we provided the majority of funding ($44.84 million) to get this off the ground, supported by funding from the Victorian and Australian governments.
The NACH is expected to be completed in the first few months of 2024, with Waterworld to remain open as long as possible to ensure users can continue to access the current facilities.
Exciting news has also been received about Kardinia Park Stadium over the past few weeks.
The stadium, and Geelong, will have the great honour of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony.
The Victorian government has also announced Kardinia Park will host the women’s T20 cricket final.
While the stadium’s reputation as the best of its kind in regional Australia grows, Council is keen to ensure the wider precinct is also realising its potential.
We’re working with the support of the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and all other tenants in the precinct to develop a master plan that will set the vision and direction of the park for the next 10 to 20 years.
Your feedback is important in helping us make decisions to ensure Kardinia Park remains a reserve that meets the needs of the community and visitors.
Visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/KPMP for more information and to provide your input before 31 January 2023.
