Wyndham City Council has begun planning for an indoor aquatic facility in the Tarneit area to meet the needs of the municipality's rapidly growing population.
The planning work will develop initial concept designs, indicative costs, funding options and a proposed delivery timeline for a new indoor aquatic centre to service Wyndham's northern and western suburbs. Council expects to consider these details in 2026, with the aim of making a final decision on the project by mid-year.
Mayor of Wyndham, Cr Josh Gilligan, said the project was about future-proofing community infrastructure.
"Wyndham's growing population is driving increased demand for modern and accessible aquatic facilities," Cr Gilligan said.
"AquaPulse and the Werribee Outdoor Pool are much-loved community assets, welcoming more than one million visits each year and supporting over 3,500 children through Learn to Swim programs. But with more than 330,000 residents and only one aquatic facility for every 150,000 people, compared to Greater Geelong's one for every 75,000 we know we need more facilities.
"Starting this planning work now puts us in the strongest position to partner with State and Federal Governments on what is expected to be a $120 million project, while also planning for Council's contribution."
Wyndham currently operates two aquatic facilities: AquaPulse in Hoppers Crossing and Werribee Outdoor Pool in Werribee. Council continues to invest in renewal and maintenance across both centres.
"Like all major infrastructure, our aquatic facilities require ongoing investment to stay safe, modern and fit-for-purpose," Cr Gilligan said
Deputy Mayor, and Bemin Ward Cr Preet Singh said the new facility would play a vital role in supporting community wellbeing.
"This project is about giving families in Wyndham's growing north and west the same access to high-quality aquatic and leisure facilities that residents in other parts of Melbourne have," Cr Singh said.
"By doing the early work now including designs, costings and funding pathways, we're making sure we're ready to deliver when the time comes."
Council will use the outcomes of the planning work to guide advocacy to State and Federal Governments, including in line with Infrastructure Victoria's recommendation that the Victorian Government contribute up to one-third of the costs of new aquatic facilities and associated planning.
