South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman has struck back at criticism over plans to remove two swimming pools from the Armstrong Creek Commonwealth Games aquatic facility.
The aquatics venue, to be constructed on Barwarre Road, will include three pools, including competition, warm up and diving pools, but the two 50m pools will be removed once the Games are over.
The site will then be converted into a multi-sport centre, including high-ball courts and an indoor 25m pool and has been criticised by the state opposition.
Mr Cheeseman, who is Parliamentary Secretary for the Commonwealth Games, called out the opposition, saying the Liberal Party didn’t want to construct any facilities at Armstrong Creek.
“The Liberals have opposed an Aquatic Centre in Armstrong Creek from the start,” he said.
“Before the election they wanted to deny the Armstrong Creek community any pool facilities at all.
“Now they want to deny the community an all-year round indoor community pool and sports facility by continuing to oppose the ongoing legacy of an indoor aquatic centre for this growing community of Armstrong Creek.
“As we get on with building the aquatics centre in Armstrong Creek, we’ll keep working with the City of Greater Geelong to ensure this growing community is left with a world-class venue that can be enjoyed long after the Commonwealth Games have left town.”
Polwarth MP Richard Riordan was vocal this week about the plans, telling Nine News the people of Geelong were being shortchanged.
“These swimming pools are blow-up pools just for the Commonwealth Games,” he said.
“This is a rip-off for Geelong and the region.”
However, Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said council was working with the government to ensure residents got the best outcomes possible.
“The 2026 Commonwealth Games present an amazing opportunity to create an enduring legacy for our region,” he said.
“Council has advocated to the state government that its legacy facilities meet the needs of our local communities, and complement the existing network of pools and indoor centres.
“It is vital that the government meaningfully engage with the community in a timely manner.
“Discussions continue with the state government about our total investment. We have made it clear that we want our funds to help the legacy facilities best meet the longer-term needs of our community.”
