Local students rally behind a bold vision to save the Korumburra pool

BACKED by local students the Martin Carlson Foundation (MCF) has prepared a bold redevelopment proposal for the Korumburra outdoor pool to be presented to South Gippsland Shire Council.

Foundation trustee Gary Brittle said the three-stage plan would transform the site by retaining the existing 50-metre pool while progressively expanding facilities, creating employment opportunities and improving long-term sustainability.

“We want to keep the pressure on,” said Mr Brittle.

“It’s about all the region’s pools not just Korumburra, we don’t want any closures.”

Local pools provide a vital community connection according to Mr Brittle. "It should be open now until the end of March, a safe place every summer for young people, 24/7,” Mr Brittle said.

MCF argues that the first step should be to upgrade the Korumburra outdoor pool infrastructure, pumps and accessibility, with the addition of a partial pool covering, outdoor spa, café and mobile saunas.

A movable wall would be installed to allow the swimming area to be reduced during colder months, helping lower operating costs. Extended opening hours and immediate initiatives such as lap swimming, aqua aerobics, dedicated sessions for older residents, a temporary gym and mobile café could help increase participation and revenue.

Stage 2 proposes an indoor pool and fitness complex featuring a gymnasium, sauna facilities and a cold-water splash pool, with accessibility for people with disabilities and expanded sporting activities. Stage 3 would establish a regional conference and reception centre, incorporating a silver-service restaurant that could provide Chisholm Institute students with an international-standard hospitality and tourism training facility.

Trustee Darren Polglaise stressed the pool’s importance to community wellbeing, saying local aquatic facilities provided safe, affordable places for recreation, social connection and physical activity.

“If we lose the Korumburra pool, we lose this opportunity,” Mr Polglaise warned.

MCF is seeking immediate emergency funding to reverse the closure, long-term operational support from council, the public release of independent engineering and financial assessments, and exploration of leasing or acquisition arrangements.

“Permanent closure or demolition should not proceed until every retention option has been thoroughly investigated,” MCF has argued.

According to the 13-page MCF submission the Korumburra pool’s regional significance extends well beyond recreation. As the area's only 50-metre pool, it supports school swimming carnivals, swimming lessons, water-safety education and lifeguard training for students across South Gippsland and the Bass Coast.

The Foundation funds an annual lifeguard and First Aid training program delivered through Life Saving Victoria. At least 15 students from local secondary colleges, including Foster Secondary College, have used the facility to develop swimming fitness, gain qualifications and access part-time employment.

Students from Foster Secondary College’s Year 11 Aquatics, Sport and Recreation program wrote to council opposing the proposed closure highlighting the pool’s role in creating career pathways and building community water-safety skills.

“I understand that maintaining a facility like this can be challenging, but I sincerely ask council to explore every possible alternative before making a final decision. Please listen to the community and consider the real impact this closure will have on local residents,” wrote Casey.

“Losing the Korumburra outdoor pool would mean losing valuable opportunities for our young people, reducing access to swimming and water safety education, and taking away an important part of our local community,” said student South.

“My VET Aquatics, Sport and Recreation class got the opportunity to complete a Pool Lifeguard certificate through Surf Lifesaving Victoria via the Martin Carlson Foundation. We completed this at the Korumburra pool, which meant a lot to us.”

Students explained that the local schools swimming carnival was held at Korumburra and many educational courses, like first aid and pool lifeguard training provided young people with qualifications to be able to help the community.

“If this pool closes for good, think of all the resources residents of Korumburra and surrounding areas will lose,” warned Sophie.

“I am writing to express my support for keeping the Korumburra Outdoor Pool open,” said Toby. “The pool recently changed my life by giving me my very first employment opportunity. After completing my pool lifeguard course I was able to secure a job as a lifeguard. This pool doesn’t just offer recreation it provides real career pathways, qualifications and independence for local youth like myself.”

South Gippsland Shire Council is currently undertaking a community consultation process to address the $78 million cost of operating, maintaining, and renewing its six aquatic facilities over the next 15 years.