Caption: Representatives of St Arnaud and St Patrick's primary schools, St Arnaud Secondary College and St Arnaud Piranhas swimming club join Member for Ripon Martha Haylett and Northern Grampians Shire councillors and staff at the official opening of stage two of the St Arnaud Swimming Pool redevelopment.
St Arnaud Swimming Pool is ready to go for the 2026/27 summer season following the completion of stage two upgrade works to the pool and surrounds.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett officially opened final stage of the $2.57-million redevelopment on Thursday alongside Northern Grampians Shire Council leaders.
Stage two involves structural repairs to the pool, along with resurfacing and compliance upgrades.
Users will also benefit from the construction of a new beach-entry ramp to improve accessibility.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said the project scope also included works to the concourse and surrounds along with additional rectification works.
"Works on stage two started back in February and we are pleased to see the project completed on schedule, in time for the summer season," she said.
"The ramp in particular is a wonderful addition, ensuring people with mobility challenges can also enjoy the benefits of swimming. Accessibility plays a crucial role in creating an inclusive environment for everyone, which is important to council and our community."
Stage one, which was completed ahead of the 2025/26 summer season, included refurbishment of existing change rooms to include upgraded shower and toilet facilities, along with an upgraded administration/first aid and kiosk area.
"We completed the redevelopment in two stages to minimise the impact on pool users as much as possible," Cr Hyslop said.
"The pool is a wonderful asset for St Arnaud and surrounding communities, acting as a meeting place for friends and families, offering respite from the heat and of course, enabling swimming lessons - a valuable skill for life.
"The redevelopment has ensured this much-loved facility will continue to serve our community for years to come."
Cr Hyslop thanked contractor Hydrilla Commercial Swimming Pools and Aquatics and pool designer Marcus Lightfoot of Lacus Consulting, along with everyone who worked on the redevelopment, including council staff.
"Projects like this do not happen without a lot of people working together," she said.
The project was funded by a $1.94-million grant from the State Government's Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund and $650,000 from council.
Council staff are busy preparing for the summer season, with the pool set to open on Saturday, November 14.
"Our Recreation and Leisure team has been putting plans in place for a while now and we are all excited to start welcoming residents back to the pool as the weather heats up," Cr Hyslop said.
Activities will include swimming lessons, water aerobics classes, a celebratory pool party in December and a summer school holiday program.
People can follow the St Arnaud Swimming Pool Facebook page to keep up to date with information and activities.
Council is still finalising the pool team for summer and is recruiting for a duty manager, lifeguards and swim teacher.
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