A planning permit has been issued for the long-awaited 50-metre outdoor pool at the Drysdale Sports Precinct, paving the way for construction work to start this month.
The outdoor pool will be suitable for family use, learn to swim classes, water exercise classes, and Local and School and Carnivals.
The planning approval for the stage one $15.5 million outdoor facility comes as the City releases community feedback on its illustrative plans for a complementary indoor aquatic and leisure centre to be delivered in stage two.
Stage one of the development is being funded via $10 million from the Australian Government and $5.5 million from the City of Greater Geelong.
The City is working to secure $45 million in joint funding from the Victorian and Australian governments to deliver the stage two indoor facility.
More than 160 submissions were received, including seven submissions from local and aquatic groups representing hundreds of members and connections.
The indicative plan for a complementary indoor aquatic and leisure centre was developed based on submissions made by the community to Council in April 2021 and further consultation with the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre Advocacy Group.
The indicative plans include a warm water pool for hydrotherapy, indoor learn-to-swim and aqua play facilities, as well as a gym, group fitness space and indoor change facilities.
Community feedback was conducted over almost eight weeks from Thursday 11 November 2021 to Tuesday 4 January 2022.
The results showed:
73 per cent of respondents indicated the stage two designs are what they had imagined or were almost there
71 per cent of respondents indicated they would support the city advocating to the state and federal government to fund stage two based on these plans
83 per cent of respondents indicated they would use the stage two indoor aquatic and leisure centre.
The City is now reviewing all of the feedback in detail with consideration of how the concepts for stage two can best meet the community's needs. A final engagement report will be released mid-year.
