Northern Aquatic and Community Hub not directly funded at state budget

The state government’s cash splash has washed over one key Geelong project in a ‘glaringly significant omission’ that could have eventually saved taxpayers $50m.

Not directly funding the $60 million Northern Aquatic and Community Hub in Norlane is a glaring omission from the state’s 2020-21 budget, an advocacy group says.

The project, championed by Geelong council and supported by advocacy groups, is predict to deliver $111m of preventive health benefits in a decade but failed to get the $20m the city had hoped for.

Chief executive of the G21 advocacy group, Elaine Carbines, was exasperated on Tuesday when the project wasn’t funded despite “intense” advocacy.

“For how long are the wellbeing needs of the disadvantaged northern suburbs of Geelong to remain a low priority in Spring Street and Canberra?” Ms Carbines asked.

“A glaringly significant omission is the lack of funds for the proposed Northern Aquatic and Community Hub … the proposed Norlane complex has been overlooked in both the state and federal budgets.

An artist's impression of how the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub could look.

“The City of Greater Geelong has allocated $21 million for the project, but they can’t do this alone.

“The hub would deliver state-of-the-art aquatic and fitness facilities along with health and community facilities, with a focus on preventative health and wellbeing in disadvantaged suburbs of Geelong.”

Committee for Geelong chief executive Jennifer Cromarty said there was widespread support for the project.

“It is a project that the whole community wants done and seemingly we had support for it,” Ms Cromarty said.

“Maybe council will look whether they can spend a bit more themselves.

“They’ve obviously decided that there’s other priorities at this point. There is significant money coming to Geelong, there’s billions and billions.”

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Geelong councillor Anthony Aitken said the project was critical to deliver physical and mental health care for the northern suburbs.

“It’s especially disappointing given the budget is clearly focused on driving COVID-19 recovery. We won’t give up until this facility is built,” Cr Aitken said.

Ms Cromarty was hopeful the project could be funded through the $156m regional infrastructure and jobs fund which is yet to be itemised.

“There might be a pathway to get grant applications. There is another budget in May.

“I am not disappointed by the budget because it is an extremely high spending budget.

“We need to make sure our economy kicks on because the only way the government is going to be able to pay their debt is if the economy goes well.”

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Originally published as Northern Aquatic and Community Hub not directly funded at state budget