Aquatics in Bass Coast

A HUGE PLANNED EXPENDITURE BY BASS COAST SHIRE COUNCIL

In 2014, Council committed to provide an Aquatic Centre on Phillip Island and redevelop the Wonthaggi pool. In 2015, Council adopted the Bass Coast Aquatic Strategy 2015-2024 confirming that two pools should be built saying “Each centre will be developed with a point of difference”. In 2018, Council commissioned a report that found the Wonthaggi pool could continue satisfactory operation for a 10 year period (to 2028).
(Links to these documents can be found at the bottom of this page.)

Bass Coast Shire Council has released concept plans and draft feasibility studies for both Wonthaggi and Phillip Island Aquatic Leisure Centres.
Cost estimates total $80-90 million, making this the largest Council-managed project ever seen in Bass Coast.

In discussion of these new studies, at least one councillor said that we cannot afford two pools and another stated that we should only build a regional pool. What do you think?

This engagement is the time for all ratepayers and residents to get involved. It’s your money being spent on this project. If you have strong feelings regarding these projects, it is vital that you let the Shire know. As well as considering the studies and plans released by Council, BCRRA asks

  • which facility should be prioritised if reduced funding is available?
  • are the two facilities different enough?
  • do the proposed facilities really cater for their local community needs?

Council counts the number of individual submissions as indicative of community feeling, so it is important that as many community members as possible turn up at an engagement session or individually email the Council at aquatics@basscoast.vic.gov.au with your thoughts. You can send copies of your email to your Councillors also to let them know your feelings. Ultimately they will decide what happens. Their contact details are here.

CHANGES TO DROP-IN SESSIONS

Updated 18/06/2021

We have just received the following advice from Bass Coast Shire Council:

After a challenging few weeks, the final dates for the community drop-in sessions on the Bass Coast and Phillip Island aquatic and leisure centre feasibility studies and concept plans have been determined.

There are four drop-in sessions planned – two at the Phillip Island Leisure Centre and two at the Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre, as follows.

Wonthaggi – Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre, 41 Wentworth Road

  • Saturday, 19 June: 9.00am to 1.00pm
  • Wednesday, 30 June: 9.00am to 1.00pm

Cowes – Phillip Island Leisure Centre, 10-12 Church Street

  • Wednesday, 23 June 9.00am to 1.00pm
  • Saturday, 26 June 9.00am to 1.00pm

You can also have your say by filling out a survey at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/aquatics or provide a written submission to aquatics@basscoast.vic.gov.au. 

Due to the ongoing postponements and alterations to the sessions, we have extended the consultation period from Sunday 27th June to Sunday 4th July.

For more information, see http://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/aquatics

Council documents available for download: