Bass Coast greenlights $1.1 million design contract for Wonthaggi Aquatic Centre

PLANS for a major upgrade of the Wonthaggi pool have taken a significant step forward, with Bass Coast Shire Council awarding a $1.1million design contract for the highly anticipated Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

The detailed design contract has been awarded to Mantric Architecture Pty Ltd, signalling a major step forward in the $47 million dollar project timeline.

Council allocated $500,000 in the 2025/26 budget to initiate the detailed design work, with a planned multi-year projection of a further $500,000 in 2026/27 to complete it.

The decision to partner with Mantric Architecture was not made lightly.

The evaluation process was extensive, ensuring that the selected firm possessed the precise technical expertise required to bring this modern facility to life. Mantric Architecture Pty Ltd ultimately emerged as the preferred provider by proving they could seamlessly meet the strict technical specifications while delivering maximum value for public funds.

The proposed facility is widely considered a priority project for the region, addressing a long-standing demand for modern indoor aquatic and fitness facilities. The upgraded venue is expected to feature a state-of-the-art warm water pool, enhanced learn-to-swim spaces, modern gym amenities, and dedicated areas for rehabilitation and therapeutic care, servicing a growing regional population and boosting local health outcomes.

For community members requiring specialised hydrotherapy, the new infrastructure promises to be a life-changing addition to regional health networks. However, moving from the drawing board to physical construction will require substantial financial support beyond local government resources.

Council is acutely aware that a project of this magnitude cannot be funded by municipal ratepayers alone, necessitating strong financial partnerships with higher tiers of government to secure the remaining capital.

Resident groups have also stressed that a prompt rollout is needed to minimise disruptions to existing recreational activities in the area.

Stepping up efforts to secure funding for aquatic centres in both Wonthaggi and Phillip Island, Bass Coast Shire earlier this year joined forces with local councils from around Australia to demand urgent federal action on coastal hazards and aquatic facilities.

Bass Coast Shire utilised the National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Government in Canberra to champion two major motions aimed at protecting coastal infrastructure and securing the future of regional public pools.

The ongoing advocacy campaign highlights the critical role these hubs play in regional development, community well-being, and public safety.

Local leaders emphasised that modern public pools are not luxury amenities, but essential health infrastructure that teaches life-saving skills to coastal children.

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari praised the solidarity shown by local government representatives from every corner of the country. “I found it very encouraging that councils across the nation stood as one to ask the federal government to restore levels of funding for local government back to one per cent,” Cr Tessari said.

For regional communities like Bass Coast, public pools were seen as vital hubs for health, social connection, and water safety education. However, acknowledging the skyrocketing costs of asset renewal and compliance councils have made it clear they can no longer shoulder the financial burden alone.

This next step for the Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre will be for the design contractors to prepare initial blueprints and conceptual drawings for community feedback before the developing highly detailed construction specifications.

A key design constraint is that the planned improvements must be staged so that the current aquatics area remains open and operational to the maximum extent practicable.