Caption: An artist's image of what a redeveloped aquatic centre could look like.
Northern Grampians Shire Council has earmarked a $5.445 million contribution towards the proposed Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre (SSAC) redevelopment.
Council's contribution is contingent on securing substantial federal and state funding for the multi-million-dollar project, along with feedback from the public through the 2026/27 budget consultation process later this year.
The centre redevelopment has been a priority for council since 2021, following a feasibility study completed in partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria.
This year, council released its Advocacy Prospectus 2026, a document created to enable targeted advocacy to state and federal governments to secure key community projects.
Aquatic centre, indoor stadium and gym redevelopments are listed as 'lead priorities' in the prospectus, with the aquatic upgrade earmarked for phase one.
The existing aquatic facilities are ageing and do not meet current community demand or contemporary accessibility expectations.
Council is seeking $12.209 million from the State Government for phase one, which will include a 25-metre indoor pool with accessible entry ramp, new change facilities, plant room upgrades and improvements to reception/foyer areas.
Council expects the total project cost to be $28.5 million and is seeking a $10.790 million contribution from the Federal Government, leaving council with a $5.445 million co-contribution.
Phase two of the redevelopment involves a $14 million indoor stadium and gym upgrade, which would include two netball-sized courts, upgraded gym and fitness areas, accessible toilets and additional storage.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said as with any project of this scale, determining the investment needed - along with potential funding options - posed a challenge.
"Obviously, council cannot deliver these projects alone," she said.
"We have employed an independent consultant to develop an advocacy strategy that specifically takes into consideration the best way to obtain substantial multi-million-dollar funding contributions from federal and state governments.
"The consultant Urban Enterprises - which has a strong reputation in this space and has provided valuable and independent support to other councils navigating similar situations - recommended the $5.445 million contribution after benchmarking co-contributions from other councils that have successfully secured state/federal funding for major aquatic facility upgrades."
Cr Hyslop said depending on how funding discussions progressed with the relevant levels of government, council anticipated requiring a financial loan to deliver its commitment.
The loan would be paid back over multiple years from future rates revenue.
"Council is currently debt free and we do not have $5.445 million in reserves for our contribution," Cr Hyslop said.
"Borrowing the money is the only realistic option and it's also the fairer option. If we did have the reserves to fund it then the contribution would come from past ratepayers. Taking out a loan now would enable it to be paid off over the next 10 to 15 years by ratepayers with the opportunity to use the upgraded facility.
"It is important to note that this is preliminary financial forecasting to facilitate advocacy discussions and means there could be changes to the government asks and council's contribution in the future."
Cr Hyslop said council would consult the community about the proposed loan before resolving a final position. This will occur in October/November this year as part of the 2027/28 budget consultation process.
"However, we need to identify a figure now to put us in a strong position to advocate ahead of the November State Election," Cr Hyslop said.
"The loan will only be raised if we secure the required state and federal funding.
"Council will continue to keep the community informed of all progress and provide updates on funding discussions as new information becomes available."
Cr Hyslop said council leaders had been actively campaigning for the SSAC redevelopment at all levels of government since the beginning of the year.
"Council met with Labor Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora at the centre back in February for a tour of the ageing facilities," she said.
"We also recently met with State Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, Victorian Nationals leader Danny O'Brien and Victorian National Party Member for Lowan Emma Kealy, where we discussed the redevelopment project and the funding limitations council has to deliver the outcomes."
Cr Hyslop and council chief executive Brent McAlister also handed out copies of the Advocacy Prospectus 2026 at the National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra in June.
"Our aim is to get as many eyes onto our projects as possible," she said.
"We are also in the process of securing meetings with party candidates for the Lowan and Ripon electorates as they announce their run for the upcoming State Election, with several meetings already confirmed for August."
Cr Hyslop said as council leaders continued to advocate for funding to deliver both phases of the redevelopment, the organisation remained committed to maintaining the facility in a safe, operational and accessible condition for the community.
"Given the age of its infrastructure and the ongoing maintenance challenges associated with an ageing asset, council will continue to prioritise essential works through a thorough risk-based approach, focusing on critical plant, building and safety-related issues to minimise service disruptions and extend the life of the facility," she said.
"This targeted maintenance program will help ensure the centre can continue to meet community needs while council pursues the significant investment required to deliver the long-term redevelopment of the site.
"One example of this maintenance approach in action is the upgrade of the centre's aquatic heating system, which will be fully operational later this year. These works expedite an element of phase one by delivering a future-proof solution now, rather than waiting for the full project to be secured, which will take time.
"The reality of this approach is the maintenance bill will likely fall in the vicinity of $2 to $3 million dollars over the next 10 years - we would prefer to invest these ratepayer funds into the centre's redevelopment."
People can find a copy of council's Advocacy Prospectus 2026 online here.
