Council adopts Aquatics Strategy

Published on 21 April 2022

Hepburn Shire Council last night adopted its Aquatics Strategy, outlining the ten-year priority plan to guide the future direction for aquatic facilities in the shire.

Council acknowledged the strong support within the community for access to an indoor aquatics facility, along with the considerable financial investment required for such infrastructure.

“We heard from the community of the desire for year-round access to an aquatics facility, and have acknowledged this in the Aquatics Strategy,” said Mayor, Cr Tim Drylie.

“The strategy recognises there’s more work to be done in terms of detailed planning work for such a facility, including feasibility, business case and funding strategy. As a small rural council we would look to state and federal government for significant support for capital and operational costs for such a facility, but we’ve certainly heard that this is an identified community need,” said Cr Drylie.

Funding of $160,000 is to be considered in the 2022/23 budget that will be provided to undertake further detailed investigation and develop a feasibility study/business case for indoor aquatics provision. That funding would ensure that during the year Council will investigate and develop a study that will review:

• Aquatics provision options

• Preferred location

• Facility components and concept plan

• Capital cost estimate

• Financial operating model

• Funding Strategy.

The Aquatics Strategy also includes a combination of information on facilities, industry research, along with capital works and maintenance priorities to ensure the existing facilities meet safety requirements.

Council received 65 responses during the exhibition period on the draft strategy. Feedback from more than 1,000 residents in 2021 informed the development of the strategy.

The Aquatics Strategy is available on Council’s website at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au. 

“Thank you to everyone who shared their views and feedback on this strategy. Community facilities that promote healthy living really are a priority for Council, and this strategy maps out how we can improve participation and make the most of community infrastructure,” said Cr Drylie.

Hepburn Shire Council acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government for their funding contribution to this project.