About the Project
In 2015 Council adopted the Bass Coast Aquatic Strategy 2015 (Strategy). The Strategy detailed Council's desire for the development of two new Aquatic Centres in the Shire - replacing the current facility in Wonthaggi and building a new facility on Phillip Island.
Since the adoption of the Strategy, Council has undertaken a range of feasibility studies and reports while actively advocating for the two pools to be delivered concurrently. Read more about Council's Advocacy efforts here.
Despite concerted and considerable efforts, Council has not secured the external funding required to progress with two pools being delivered concurrently.
At the 15 October Council Meeting, an addendum to the Strategy was presented to Council. It outlines a revised approach which prioritises the redevelopment of the existing Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Wonthaggi, with a new aquatic centre for Phillip Island to follow as the second stage of delivery.
This addendum will enable Council to take a staged delivery model, ensuring that essential services can continue while redevelopment works occur. This approach also aligns more closely with feedback from State and Federal funding bodies who have indicated we are more likely to be successful in our request for funding if it is in a staged approach.
Why does Council need to change its approach?
A key theme identified in the Bass Coast community panel was to maintain existing facilities in Bass Coast. In a rate capped environment Bass Coast Shire Council faces challenges in undertaking significant projects without external funding to support them.
The cost of building aquatic and leisure centres has significantly increased since the 2022 feasibility studies, making attracting external funding and delivery challenging. As such, Council is proposing to redevelop the Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
Prioritising the redevelopment of the existing facility will allow for redevelopment to occur in a staged approach (should it be required) based on available funding. Redevelopment will also ensure that priority areas and failing components are addressed as needed.
A Redevelopment Concept Plan for the facility was also presented at the Council Meeting. It has taken into consideration feedback provided in previous stages of consultation, while balancing the limitations associated with cost and redeveloping an existing facility.
