About the Project
Bass Coast Shire Council has endorsed community engagement on an addendum to the Bass Coast Aquatic Strategy 2015 and a revised Concept Master Plan for the redevelopment of the Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Wonthaggi.
Since adopting the Strategy in 2015, Council has completed a series of feasibility studies and reports exploring future aquatic service delivery across the Shire. These studies confirm that the existing Wonthaggi facility is nearing the end of its service life and requires significant investment to continue meeting community needs.
The revised approach prioritises redeveloping the existing Wonthaggi centre first, followed by delivery of a new aquatic centre for Phillip Island as a second stage.
This staged delivery model ensures continuity of services for the community, supports Council’s financial sustainability, and aligns with funding body feedback favouring a sequenced approach.
Community feedback on the amended Strategy and Concept Plan will help shape how the facilities are designed and used into the future.
The Phillip Island Aquatic and Leisure Centre remains a key commitment within the Bass Coast Aquatic Strategy 2015, now positioned as the second stage of Council’s long-term plan for aquatic service delivery across the Shire.
Council has advocated for improved aquatic facilities since the 2015 Strategy’s adoption, engaging with State and Federal Governments, Sport and Recreation Victoria, and regional partners to seek funding support for two new aquatic centres.
Despite extensive efforts, funding for the concurrent delivery of both facilities has not yet been secured.
Advocacy feedback has consistently emphasised that a staged approach, redeveloping Wonthaggi first, then Phillip Island is the most viable pathway to success.
By adopting this revised approach, Council is positioning itself for future funding opportunities, ensuring the community continues to have access to vital aquatic and leisure services during redevelopment.
Advocacy will now focus on attracting investment for the redevelopment of the Wonthaggi facility, while maintaining a long-term commitment to delivering an aquatic facility for Phillip Island.
The Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre Facility Asset Management Plan (FAMP) indicates that major building components at the Wonthaggi site are approaching end of life, with significant renewal needs within the next decade. An estimated $10 million is required to maintain current service levels, not including upgrades or expansion.
A $500,000 allocation has been included in Council’s 2025/26 Budget to commence detailed design work for the redevelopment.
Updated cost estimates indicate that the original 2021 concept design has increased by more than 100%, prompting Council to rescope the project to deliver the same community outcomes within a more affordable, staged redevelopment plan.
Funding for construction will continue to be sought through State and Federal Government partnerships and advocacy efforts, with a focus on ensuring a sustainable and future ready facility.
Community feedback on the amended Strategy and Concept Plan will help shape how the facilities are designed and used into the future. Share your thoughts with Council via the link below.
https://engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/aquaticswon
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