Surf Coast Shire Council is seeking to rally further community support for the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre, with additional funding still required to enable the project to proceed.
Mayor Libby Stapleton encouraged community members to show their support for the project by sharing their views with MPs and candidates during the run up to the Victorian election.
"Community support is vital if we are to demonstrate the health and wellbeing value of the project to potential funding partners," Cr Stapleton said.
"We are still actively pursuing all funding options, and the timing is critical now with the election coming up in November."
Community members can visit www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/aquatic to support the funding campaign.
Council at its September meeting noted an update on the project, with key points including:
- Realisation of the project centres on securing an additional $7.55 million in funding.
- Since Council's last update in June there have been no further funding commitments.
- Announcement of a new Geelong region Commonwealth Games aquatic venue is imminent, with potential locations for the venue understood to include Armstrong Creek.
- A new aquatic centre at Armstrong Creek would have significant implications for the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre in Torquay North, influencing planning, patronage and revenue.
- Consideration would need to be given to avoiding unnecessary duplication of facilities, compromising of financial performance and inefficient use of public funds for construction and operation of neighbouring centres.
"We have been in discussion with Commonwealth Games representatives pitching development of our Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre as a potential training or competition venue, and encouraging them to leave a legacy for our region," Cr Stapleton said.
