The Liberal Party has announced it will spend $20 million to fund the second stage of the North Bellarine Aquatic and Leisure centre in Drysdale if it is re-elected at next month’s federal election.
Libral candidate for Corangamite Stephanie Asher said the funding commitment was key tenet of her local plan and would provide greater access to swimming, health and community facilities on the Bellarine.
“Our plan to fully deliver the North Bellarine Aquatic and Leisure Centre is a win for local residents across Bellarine communities,” she said.
“For too long, communities such as Drysdale, Curlewis, Portarlington, St Leonards and Indented Head have been denied access to sporting and community facilities other parts of our region enjoy.
“My local plan for Corangamite focuses on delivering the community facilities local residents and communities deserve.
“This facility will make an enormous difference for community health and wellbeing – for seniors, families and more than 3500 students who attend local schools – and will also save lives.
“As mayor, I was proud to have fought to secure funding for stage one of this project and am excited now to be part of delivering this next step forward.”
Work is underway on the $15.5 million first stage of the project, which includes the construction of a 50-metre, eight-lane heated outdoor pool.
The City had received $10 million from the federal government for stage one.
The City of Greater Geelong has released initial concept plans for the facility’s second stage, which includes a warm water exercise pool, a learn to swim program pool, a water play pool, accessible ramps, a spa, sauna and steam room, change rooms and gymnasium, group fitness rooms, health consulting suites a café and occasional care room.
It matches a similar $20 million commitment made by Corangamite MP Libby Coker last year if the Labor Party won the election.
In October Labor committed $20 million to build an all year-round facility, including a 50-metre indoor pool with movable floor and dry spaces for community functions, classes and rehab.
