Hobsons Bay City Council has welcomed a funding commitment from the State Opposition towards the construction of the proposed Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre at Bruce Comben Reserve in Altona Meadows.
The Liberal Party has pledged to match Council’s contribution of $20 million towards the $60 million project, with Council seeking the remaining $20 million from the federal government.
The announcement was made yesterday by Shadow Minister for Sport, Cindy McLeish, and Angela Newhouse, Liberal candidate for Point Cook.
The Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre is one of the key advocacy priorities identified through Council’s Advocacy Strategy 2021-25.
The facility would include an eight-lane 25m pool; a learn to swim pool; an aqua play splash pad, leisure water, and toddler pool; a wellness centre with warm water pool, spa and sauna; a gymnasium; change facilities; an early years’ service; café (indoor and outdoor seating); offices; and car parking.
It will have a strong focus on providing for people with a disability, specifically catering for people on the autism spectrum.
Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Peter Hemphill, warmly welcomed the Liberal Party’s pledge towards the centre.
“This facility would meet the significant demand for a contemporary, affordable and accessible aquatic facility at the western end of the municipality, Cr Hemphill said.
“It would benefit residents of all ages and abilities – from our youngest children learning to swim to older residents who require warm-water pools for hydrotherapy and rehabilitation.”
