Bass Coast Shire’s multimillion-dollar aquatic centre proposal

Bass Coast could be home to a multimillion-dollar aquatic centre if council gets the funding needed from the government. See the plans here.

Bass Coast Shire says it desperately needs $79.3 million from the government to replace its rundown pool and build a new state-of-the-art facility.

Mayor, Michael Whelan, said the proposal had been in the pipeline since the aquatic strategy was adopted in 2015 but was dependent on government support.

He said the Wonthaggi pool was 46 years old and “nearing the end of its service life”.

The pool has seen a decline in attendances and is “no longer meeting the needs of the community”.

The new facility at the Wonthaggi Bushland Reserve would be the main aquatic centre in the shire with a potential user catchment of about 33,300 — a number which is expected to grow by 10,200 in four years.

“We continue to meet with federal and state ministers, shadow ministers, candidates, and advisers to promote the significant economic, social and health benefits of investing in aquatics in Bass Coast in the lead up to the elections this year,” he said.

The Bass Coast Shire Aquatic and Leisure Centre concept plan, March 2022. Image: Bass Coast Shire Council.

The new centre would include a 10 x 25m pool, a shared warm water and learn-to-swim pool with movable floor, a family zone with a splash pad and water features, change rooms, large gym and group fitness rooms, a cafe and reception.

On Phillip Island, the aquatic and leisure centre is earmarked to be located on the corner of Ventnor Road and Phillip Island Road in Cowes and will cater for residents and visitors.

Phillip Island Aquatic and Leisure Centre concept plan, March 2022. Image: Bass Coast Shire Council.

Stage one would feature a 8 x 25m lane, a shared warm water and learn-to-swim pool with movable floor, a large splash pad with water-play features as well as water slides and a play tower.

A large gym and group fitness rooms would also be included as well as a reception and cafe.

Stage two would see the addition of sports courts as part of the master plan.

Both centres would include contemporary, environmentally sustainable design features to minimise the environmental impact of the developments.