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read moreIn a bid to ensure the delivery of the $61.6 million Northern Aquatic and Community Hub, the Greater Geelong Council will increase its funding commitment by a further $21.84 million -aiming to also secure vital federal government funding.
For its $10 million application under the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) to be eligible, the project must be fully funded and ready for construction to begin.
The Council’s decision to allocate additional funding in its four-year budget – made as a result of an urgent business motion during last Tuesday night’s meeting – means the long-awaited redevelopment is now on the cusp of reality.
Council’s extra commitment – on top of the existing $23 million it has already allocated in its draft four-year budget – is contingent on its application to assign $8.26 million from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund (LRCIF) being successful.
Subject to that success, the funding breakdown for construction of the $61.6 million facility would be as follows:
Should the Council’s $10 million application to the Building Better Regions Fund then also prove successful, the Council’s total commitment would reduce to $34.84 million.
The Council’s resolution noted that extra funding would continue to be sought from the state and federal governments.
A seven-day feedback period will seek community comment on the proposed additional Council funding before it is considered for inclusion in the final budget, to be endorsed at the end of June.
Once built, the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub will deliver a state-of-the-art aquatic and community facility for the Geelong region in Norlane, creating $111 million in life-changing preventative health benefits during its first decade in operation.
Plans for the facility include a 25-metre pool, hydrotherapy pool, Learn to Swim pool, water play area and waterslide; spa, sauna and steam room; café; gym and group exercise; consulting suites for maternal child health; early childhood care; and rehabilitation services.
A large multi-purpose community hall also featured in the plans would become the best of its kind in Greater Geelong, with capacity to host up to 400 people.
Back in September 2020, Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher advised “this redevelopment has been a priority for the Council throughout our term and we’ve said all along that we won’t give up until it’s built.
“The project is more important now than ever given it would both immediately stimulate Geelong’s economy, and significantly boost the community’s health and wellbeing.
On Council’s decision to now increase its funding commitment, Mayor Asher describes it as a momentous move towards delivering a community facility that would provide opportunity, health benefits and social connection.
“This is a decision that has the capacity to change lives and outcomes for the people of Geelong’s northern suburbs,” Mayor Asher said.
“It’s also a commitment that befits our investment in the coming northern and western growth areas.
“We are at a make or break point for the project, and it’s time to get on with walking our talk.
“Of course we will continue to seek support and lobby hard for further funding from other levels of government, but we can’t drop our bundle now.”
Windermere Ward councillor Anthony Aitken said the Council’s decision to boost its funding commitment was a landmark investment in the northern suburbs.
“Council has been advocating and lobbying for the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub for the past five years because we believe in this project and what it will do for the people of the north,” Aitken said.
“We must be the controller of this project and take opportunities in order to ensure the funding we’ve secured isn’t put in jeopardy, and to pave the way for future funding from the state and federal governments.
“The Greater Geelong Council is taking this bold and courageous step to deliver the most significant community project the City of Greater Geelong has ever invested in.”
Late last year the Council funded the fourth and final design stage of the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub in recognition that ‘shovel ready’ projects were receiving priority for government COVID-19 stimulus funding.
As a result, the project is now ready to be put out for construction tender as soon as it is fully funded.
For more information about the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub, visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/northernhub
21st September 2020 - Geelong Council pushes for funding to complete design stages of Waterworld site redevelopment
3rd May 2021 - Geelong council to upgrade Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre
18th January 2021 - Comment invited on plans for final stage upgrades to Geelong’s Kardinia Park Stadium
12th August 2020 - Site chosen for Geelong’s North Bellarine pool
9th January 2020 - Geelong pools introduce new water safety measures
15th December 2019 - Geelong Council delivers $3 million funding for sport and community facility upgrades
21st May 2021 - Goulburn Mulwaree Council secures loan for aquatic centre upgrade
20th May 2021 - Toowoomba Regional Council moves forward with new Millmerran Aquatic Centre plans
18th May 2021 - Port Macquarie-Hastings Councillors to consider new aquatic centre plans
14th May 2021 - Miami Aquatic Centre reopens following major upgrade
29th April 2021 - Design plans progress for Darwin’s Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre
23rd April 2021 - New Corowa Aquatic Centre set to welcome the public
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