Federal Labor launches $20 million Drysdale pool election pledge; Liberals say their funding is ’legally binding’

A dispute has erupted about funding arrangements for a new pool at Drysdale in the wake of a Labor pledge to turn the project into an indoor facility.

A dispute has erupted about funding arrangements for a new pool at Drysdale in the wake of a Labor pledge to turn the project into an indoor facility.

The federal opposition announced last week it would splash $20 million on a planned aquatic centre, featuring a 50m indoor pool, if it wins the next election.

The promise has been met with scepticism from Scott Morrison’s government, which has already committed $10m towards an outdoor pool, with construction to begin early next year.

Labor wants to use the government’s existing commitment as part of $30m in federal spending on the project, which is being jointly funded by the City of Greater Geelong.

Liberal MPs have claimed that such a move is not possible because of existing funding agreements.

Artists impression for the original Liberal-supported outdoor pool at Drysdale.

Federal sports minister, Richard Colbeck, has written to City of Greater Geelong chief executive Martin Cutter and accused Labor of “misleading” the public.

In the letter, seen by the Geelong Advertiser, Mr Colbeck said much of the $10m funding will have already been spent prior to any federal election.

“It also wrongly suggests the Australian Government has the capacity to unilaterally terminate the project’s funding agreement,” he said.

“I reiterate the Australian Government’s position that the ... funding agreement, including the requisite milestone payments, is legally binding.”

Corangamite federal Labor MP Libby Coker has dismissed the government’s claims and is adamant that the $10m can be used as part of a project shake-up.

“If Labor is elected at the coming federal election we will become the contractual partner in the pool funding and will free the funding so all federal funds can be used to construct a first class indoor pool and aquatic centre,” she said.

Under the existing plan, the project — to be known as the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre — will feature a 50m heated outdoor pool, changerooms, a kiosk and community lawn.

The City of Greater Geelong has committed $5.45m towards the project.

Council's design drawings for the Liberal-supported outdoor pool at Drysdale.

Labor wants the facility — due to be built opposite St Ignatius College near Peninsula Drive — to contain space for hydrotherapy, learn-to-swim classes, a gym and physiotherapy.

Ms Coker has previously said her party conducted a survey of almost 2000 people, with an “overwhelming” majority indicating they wanted an indoor pool.

“Never has the wisdom of the age old saying of doing things properly from the beginning been so obvious,” she said.

Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson has accused Labor of attempting to “throw a wrecking ball” at the project.

She said the project was subject to a binding contract and was “proceeding full steam ahead”.

“Ms Coker’s misleading claims that Labor will have $35.5m available to build an indoor pool, if elected, is nothing more than a cruel hoax,” she said.

Pledge to turn Drysdale pool into outdoor facility

A Federal Labor government will commit $20 million to an aquatic centre and 50m indoor pool at Drysdale.

The funding, Labor’s first major commitment in the ultra-marginal Corangamite seat before the federal election, could lock taxpayers into a $30m spend on the facility with Geelong council putting in another $5.45m.

Shadow Minister for Regional Development Catherine King said Labor wanted the facility, due to be built opposite St Ignatius College near Peninsula Drive, to contain space for hydrotherapy, learn-to-swim classes, a gym and physiotherapy.

“Unlike an outdoor pool that is only used for lap swimming a few months each year, this will be a hi-tech, year-round facility suitable for the entire community,” Ms King said.

Catherine King, left, and Libby Coker MP, right, with Bellarine swimmers Neo Williams and Jordan Smith. Picture: Alan Barber

The federal government committed $10m to an outdoor 50m pool at the 2019 election and that project is due begin early next year and be complete by 2024.

Asked when the indoor facility could be delivered, Ms King said it was a matter for council.

“We’re putting an offering on the table to say to them you can build an indoor aquatic centre here with additional money should Labor win the next election,” Ms King said.

“What that does in terms of the build time frame is really a matter for the City of Greater Geelong to work through with an incoming Labor government.”

Deputy Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan said $15.45m council and federal government money couldn’t be repurposed for an indoor pool due to a binding agreement.

Asked if the federal government would match Labor’s commitment, Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson didn’t answer.

“Labor’s underfunded and divisive plan – to throw a wrecking ball at a project under construction and tear up a funding agreement – is a joke,” Ms Henderson said.

“If Labor was genuine about an indoor pool facility, it would commit to stage 2 of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre currently in the planning phase.”

Senator Sarah Henderson. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Greater Geelong Mayor and Corangamite Liberal candidate Stephanie Asher

Corangamite MP Libby Coker said Labor’s commitment was in addition to council and current federal funding.

“This means under an Albanese Labor Government there will be a total of $30 million of federal funding. With council’s contribution that’s a total of $35.5 million available,” Ms Coker said.

“The City of Greater Geelong now have an opportunity to take a breath and review the current tender process for an outdoor pool.

“We have made this commitment at an early stage to ensure the city has the opportunity to build the aquatic centre the Bellarine community want, and we will ensure proper planning for the designs is conducted before construction commences,” Ms Coker said.

Ms Coker said consultation with the community found the majority wanted an indoor pool.

“We have done a survey ... we’ve had almost 2000 people respond and the absolute overwhelming majority of people have said what they want is an indoor pool; a pool they can use all year round,” Ms Coker said.

“I’m so thrilled that we’ve been able to stand here and make this announcement. For the last two years I’ve worked really closely with the community.”

Geelong Mayor and Liberal candidate for Corangamite Stephanie Asher, who is on leave, has indicated support for an outdoor pool.

Originally published as Federal Labor launches $20 million Drysdale pool election pledge; Liberals say their funding is ’legally binding’