KINGSTON Council is moving ahead with the purchase of a site in Mordialloc to build a new swimming centre on.
A parcel of land at 1-7 Wells Road in Mordialloc will be the home of the aquatic centre, Kingston Council says. In December last year council executed an option deed for the land worth $14.6 million.
The future pool site is across the road from Jack Grut Reserve. Council began investigating options for a new pool location after structural issues forced the closure of Don Tatnell Leisure Centre in 2020.
At a recent meeting, Kingston councillors voted to proceed with the purchase. Kingston mayor Steve Staikos says that a new aquatic facility will “provide facilities that are more sustainable, accessible and environmentally sensitive than ever before”.
“It’s right in the heart of our city and it’s ready to become an asset for all ages. From learning to swim, building strength in the gym, practicing your butterfly, to warm water exercise and rehabilitation, our aquatic and leisure centre will be able to cater to you,” he said.
A report prepared for Kingston Council last year read that the total cost of building a new aquatic centre could be between $40 million and $50 million (“Preferred site for new pool revealed” The News 19/1/22). Kingston councillor Cameron Howe is concerned that the budget for the project could blow out further.
“The pool will leave a big hole in the ground and an even bigger hole in the council’s pocket, putting the council into significant debt for a service running at a loss, which many ratepayers would be unaware of including any risk of delays in ordinary capital works programming,” Howe said. “Without a business case or project operational costs, the decision to spend $14.6 million plus GST on a new site displayed poor discipline in business.”
The federal Labor opposition has pledged $20 million towards the project if it wins this weekend’s election.
To view plans for the project and make a submission visit yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/aquatic-facility-plan
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 19 May 2022
