Over 200 community members have responded to the Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre feasibility study released earlier this month.
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Community and Economic Development Director, Steve Piasente said he was pleased users were giving feedback on the study.
“Council needs this feedback to help it make a decision on the future of the centre,” said Mr Piasente.
“At this stage, Council has not committed to this redevelopment and needs to know if the community wants this project to go ahead.
“Based on community feedback, recommendations will be made to Council about whether to adopt the feasibility study and complete further work or to abandon the project,” continued Mr Piasente.
Inverloch resident and centre user, Shane Clements, believes the centre is in desperate need of an upgrade.
“The current centre is just too small,” said Mr Clements. “I have three young children and when we are there for lessons, there is just not enough room for the other children to swim.
“We often travel to the pool in Cranbourne and we also go to the pool in Leongatha twice a week as our local pool is just not big enough.
“We’re prepared to travel to a good pool with good facilities.”
Mr Clements’ wife Sharon was a regular gym user until recently.
“When we first moved to the area I couldn’t actually use the gym because there were no crèche facilities,” said Ms Clements.
“This really limited my ability to get out and exercise, particularly in winter.
“I was a gym member for about five years, but recently cancelled my membership because of limited access to equipment and classes.
“I’m now a member at a private facility, but would probably return if the gym was expanded,” continued Ms Clements.
Mr Clements believes the Wonthaggi Centre is a long way behind the needs of the growing Bass Coast community.
“Kids can spend all day at the pool and it is really great exercise for them,” said Mr Clements.
“It can sometimes be hard to get kids active and often when they’re playing at the pool they don’t even realise they’re exercising.
“I encourage anyone who is yet to respond to the feasibility study to do so.
“It only takes a few minutes. It’s important that everyone has their say.”
Have your say
Residents have until 27 May to provide their feedback on the Feasibility Study. A brochure summarising the Study and a feedback form is available at all Council Customer Service Centres and Bass Coast YMCA Centres, as well as a viewing copy of the complete study. These are also available online at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au.
Feedback must be supplied in writing. You can register your feedback online, or mail the feedback form to Mr Allan Bawden, Chief Executive Officer, Bass Coast Shire Council, PO Box 118, WONTHAGGI 3995.