By JESSE GRAHAM
A NEW, multi-million dollar aquatics centre could be built in Healesville in the coming years, with a study on the development fronting council tonight (Tuesday).
The Yarra Ranges Aquatics Centre Feasibility Study investigates the possibility of establishing a new pool in Healesville, to service the wider Yarra Valley and areas up to Marysville.
The study will go before councillors at the 9 September Yarra Ranges Council meeting.
Mayor Fiona McAllister said it was the first step of many towards a new centre.
“One of the important things is, with the feasibility study coming to council, it’s a public document that the community can see,” she said.
“Personally, as ward councillor, I’d be very keen to hear from the community with their thoughts.”
She said the next step would be a review of the Aquatic Facility Strategic Plan for the whole municipality, which would be run through this year and into 2015 with community consultation.
“As we all know, we’re lucky enough to have an indoor and outdoor pool, which is great, but they’re old and getting to the end of their life,” Cr McAllister said.
“Now is a great time to say ‘what’s our plan, to make sure people can continue to swim once we can’t use these facilities?’”
Four options are discussed in the study – ranging from a $30 million facility with a cafe and kindergarten, through to doing nothing, and continuing to fund the Healesville Outdoor Pool and Jack Hort Memorial Indoor Pool.
However, a council officer’s report notes that doing nothing could still cost the council between $10-$15 million, due to both pools needing maintenance and possible redevelopments in the next 10 years.
Nine areas around Healesville are assessed as potential sites for a new centre, with Queens Park deemed the ideal area for the development.
The expected life of a new aquatics facility – should council follow through on the project – is about 50 years.
Due to the potential costs of a new facility – with $30 million, $20 million or $15 million options – Cr McAllister said council would lobby political parties this year for a pre-election funding commitment.
Independent Eildon candidate and Healesville resident, Bruce Argyle, said he was 100 per cent behind the idea for a new aquatics centre, and urged the major parties to show their support.
Mr Argyle, along with a group of Healesville residents, visited the Outdoor Pool last week to show their support for a new pool in the town.
To view the full feasibility study, visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
For the result of the council meeting, see next week’s Mail.
