Opposition pledges to fulfill Island’s dream of pool facility

IN WHAT was huge news for Islanders last week, the Liberals and Nationals Government announced they would contribute $42 million towards an aquatic facility on Phillip Island. 

The shire had adopted the Bass Coast Aquatic Leisure Centre Feasibility Study and the Phillip Island Aquatic Leisure Centre Feasibility Study, and the Economic and Funding Strategy earlier this year.

The project entails the redevelopment of the Bass Coast Aquatic Leisure Centre at an estimated cost of $41.842m, and construction of a new centre on Phillip Island at $52.817m, with the shire seeking an investment of $79.3 million to deliver a two-pool strategy.

Council had purchased land in Cowes on the southwest corner of the intersection of Phillip Island and Ventnor Roads, in anticipation for a future aquatic and recreation precinct.

The opposition parties gathered at the site last week to announce the funding, which will be implemented if they are elected in the upcoming state election.

Liberal Candidate for Bass, Aaron Brown and The Nationals candidate for Bass, Brett Tessari, were also in attendance. 

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan spoke with the Sentinel-Times following the announcement.

“We really welcome the announcement, it’s a key part of our advocacy strategy for two centres here on the Island and Wonthaggi,” he said.

“The strategy is very strong and shovel-ready to go on this.”

Phillip Island Aquatic Centre Fund’s secretary and treasurer, Peter McMahon and president Don Turner, were also ecstatic about the funding. 

“My background is in education and schools, and I have a passion for water safety in general,” Mr Turner said.

“I’ve surveyed schools about their own learn to swim programs and they’ve all said they’ve got inadequate programs, apart from Cowes, who have their own pool.

“But all the other schools have been unable to get good access and it’s the same for the swimming clubs.

“This (funding) is all going to lead to much better programs.”

According to the shire, a future aquatic centre on Phillip Island would be designed to be a district facility, and recommended to contain the following components:

• Main competition pool with 25m x 8 lanes 

• Warm water/leisure/learn to swim program pool 
• Water play unit and splash pad with adjoining toddlers pool

• Dry and steam saunas

• Foyer, reception, merchandising, café

• Offices, administration/staff rooms and meeting rooms

A Victorian Government spokesperson said the government is committed to supporting community sport and active recreation. 

“Community sports infrastructure funding on Phillip Island has been significant, including $1.78 million for the Bass Coast Shire Pavilions Project, comprising a new pavilion for the Phillip Island Croquet Club, and more than $1 million for new 200 lux LED lighting at Cowes Recreation Reserve,” the spokesperson said.