At its special council meeting on Tuesday, Surf Coast Shire Council considered the findings of the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre feasibility study.
Council resolved to proceed with the project option of a 50-metre indoor pool (with moveable swim walls and floor so that the space can be divided) as well as a multipurpose warm water pool, gym and group fitness rooms.
This is on the condition that no capital contribution is required by Council. It was also noted that the centre is to be run under a contractor management model. The capital cost of this option is estimated to be in the order of $39 million, which is more than is currently available through government commitments.
Council will make the necessary land available so that the facility could be integrated with the new Surf Coast Multi-purpose Indoor Stadium in the Torquay Community and Civic Precinct.
Council would also fund the operating cost of the facility which is forecast to be an average of $433,000 each year over the first 10 years.
The Victorian Government has committed $10 million and the Australian Government has committed $20 million towards the project.
Council will seek further government funding, including an application to the Victorian Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program, which closes on 19 June.
The report recommended Council doesn’t proceed with the option of an indoor 50-metre indoor pool on its own, due to the higher average annual operating costs of $806,000.
Mayor Cr Rose Hodge said the need to minimise ongoing operational costs was highlighted in the Testing the Water community consultation undertaken in 2015.
“We’ve long known the many benefits that aquatic and health centres provide, it’s just been a matter of balancing this with the cost of delivering this project along with the many other needs our communities have,” she said.
“The government commitments have got us close to an affordable solution. We just need that bit extra to fully cover the cost of construction. If we can get that additional support from government partners then we can get the project moving quickly.”
“It would be a special place for people of all ages and abilities both now and in the future. And it would be a big stimulus project for our region’s economy at precisely the time when we need it.”
In January, Council commissioned the feasibility study to explore the kinds of facilities that could be delivered within the $30 million of current funding commitments and those requiring a capital investment greater than $30 million but with lower ongoing operational costs.
