A commitment from state election candidate Joe Garra to secure $20 million in state funding towards a new aquatic and early years centre at Bruce Comben Reserve in Altona Meadows has been welcomed by Hobsons Bay City Council.
Dr Garra, who has announced he will run as an independent candidate in the Point Cook electorate, has committed to securing the funding if he wins the seat at the Victorian election in November.
The $60 million Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre is one of the key advocacy priorities identified through Council's Advocacy Strategy 2021-25. Council, which has committed $20 million to the centre, is seeking funding partnerships with federal and state governments and is advocating for commitments from all local candidates nominating for the Victorian election.
The state-of-the-art facility will 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, said Council welcomed Dr Garra's commitment towards the Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre.
"Council has pledged $20 million to the Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre, but we can't fund it alone," Cr Hemphill said.
"We need the state and federal governments to partner with us to deliver this project for our city.
"I urge all parties and independent candidates who are standing in our area at the state election to make a commitment to this vital community asset."
