Phillip Island Aquatic Centre

27/10/2025

If you are once again thinking 'WHAT THE?' then come along to the 2025 PIAC Fund AGM on the 19th of Nov via zoom at 7pm. We are not giving up! Are you? Come and ask us 'Where did all the money go? Where are the bricks? And more delightful questions. Plus join as member, maybe even join the committee, and from the comfort of your own home.

Contact Peter for the zoom meeting link 0418 533 256.

From the Phillip Island & San Remo Advertiser 21.10.25

"Nose dive: after more than 30 years island pool again shelved"

Bass Coast Shire's mayor said it was a "tough" decision to delay a community pool for Phillip Island and she empathised with residents who had fought for one "for a long time".

As reported last week, councillors at the October meeting voted in support of the amended Bass Coast Shire Aquatic Strategy, which has Wonthaggi's pool upgrade as the priority.

The strategy - which is open for community feedback until November 6 - states planning and advocacy for Phillip Island will start following completion of the Wonthaggi redevelopment.

Successive pool committees and residents have worked to establish an aquatic centre on Phillip Island, since the first pool committee was formed in 1991.

Mayor Rochelle Halstead told the meeting and about 40 residents in the public gallery at Berninneit "I feel for Phillip Island, I really do".

"I know they have been advocating for a long time," she said.

"It's a difficult situation with funding limited at state and federal levels. We can't deliver assets without the support of government.

"We have advocated hard for a two-pool strategy and we have fallen flat.

"I congratulate councillors for making this tough decision. It hasn't been an easy decision because we know how strongly our communities feel about this.

"I hope people realise it wasn't an easy decision.

"We haven't taken Phillip Island off the future plans and if a sooner opportunity presents, we will be all over it."

Cr Ronnie Bauer said for years he had "total commitment" to a Phillip Island pool, but he was "also a realist and pragmatic".

"In the current climate our advocacy only allows for one aquatic centre," Cr Bauer said.

"The Wonthaggi pool does need some very urgent attention. Not if but when it breaks down, we have nothing comparable in the shire.

"From a population centre perspective, renovating the Wonthaggi swim complex makes sense and quite frankly is our only option.

"The Wonthaggi pool will do the job for the shire until such time we are able to build the Phillip Island Aquatic Centre."

Cr Bauer also said he had "fought tooth and nail to keep the Phillip Island aquatics alive albeit on life support", with a line item in the 10-year long term financial plan for Bass Coast aquatics (plural).

He added projects could quickly be reprioritised with "one election promise".

Cr Tim O'Brien said the priority for Phillip Island was to progress the recreation reserve, on the corner of Phillip Island and Ventnor roads, specifically a "critical mass" of sporting facilities such as football ovals, after which the pool would follow.

"For Phillip Islanders who may have wanted us to press ahead with both pools, it was never going to happen," Cr O'Brien said.

"It was far too costly. This is getting things in the right order, keeping Phillip Island on the agenda."

Cr Brett Tessari said since 2016 council had advocated in Melbourne and Canberra for two pools but "it didn't work".

"We were told we were never going to get the funding for two pools," he said.

Cr Meg Edwards said Wonthaggi was the only public pool in Bass Coast and its current disrepair meant "we are at risk of having no pool", which would be "catastrophic".

"Phillip Island's pool is not off the table," she said.

"How do you eat an elephant? Take one bite at a time."

Cr Halstead said the decision was a pragmatic response to current financial realities.

"Redevelopment will allow us to continue delivering vital aquatic and leisure services to our community, while positioning us to attract future funding for a Phillip Island facility," she said.

Strategy

The original Bass Coast Shire Aquatic Strategy was released in 2015, which supported a two-pool strategy - both Wonthaggi and Cowes - which was followed in 2021 by feasibility studies supporting two pools.

The 2025 amendment re-focuses attention, saying Wonthaggi has Bass Coast's only existing pool, which is nearing the end of its life and needs about $10 million to keep it open.

The 2025/26 budget allocates $500,000 to start the detailed designs of the Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

The strategy states there are a range of risks in continuing to pursue a two-pool strategy.

Since 2015, the Wonthaggi North East Precinct Structure Plan has been gazetted, altering the future population of Wonthaggi, with 5000 new homes or about 12,000 new residents planned.

In addition, advocacy to state and federal governments for two-pools has "failed to achieve funding".

Furthermore, funding two pools would put "unsustainable" pressure on council budgets and increase "long-term debt exposure".

In 2021 a Bass Coast Shire Council study recommended Cowes have a "district level" 25m x 8 lane competition pool, combined learn-to-swim and hydrotherapy area, and 24-hour gym, at a cost of $45.7 million.

The study also recommended a $41 million new pool for Wonthaggi: 25m x 10 lanes, with a larger gym, new spa and sauna.

https://engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/bass-coast-aquatic-and-leisure-centre-redevelopment-concept-plan

https://hdp-au-prod-app-bass-engage-files.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/9717/5997/9720/2015_Bass_Coast_Aquatic_Strategy_-_Ammended_Sep_2025_DRAFT.pdf

24/11/2024

Notice of Annual General Meeting 2024

12/10/2023

From the Phillip Island & San Remo Advertiser this week.

Successive pool committees and residents have worked long and hard to establish an Aquatic Centre on Phillip Island, since the first pool committee was formed, in 1991.

The hopes of successive generations of committee members were however dashed last month, with adoption by Bass Coast Shire Council of a timeline that places development of an Aquatic Centre between 20 and 30 years away.

Peter McMahon, secretary of PIAFC and long-time advocate for an Aquatic Centre on Phillip Island, said that he was “totally shocked” by the priority timeline, and was scathing in his reaction after years of working with council to produce a Sports Precinct Master Plan.

“Everything that this Bass Coast Council can do to thwart Phillip Island’s hopes of a pool, they will do, and have done over the last three decades,” was Peter’s assessment.

“Their own community consultation survey released just six months ago in April shows that our community’s first preference, when it comes to the development of sporting facilities, and this has been consistent for decades, is for an Aquatic Centre.

“Yet they have placed an Aquatic Centre on their timeline for development of sporting facilities stone, motherless last.

“It has been a pointless exercise for so many people over three decades to have worked hard and fought hard for an island pool. Many will not be around in 20-25 years to see if it ever eventuates.

“On the council’s own numbers, 38 per cent of the shire’s population live on Phillip Island or at San Remo. And they pay half of the entire shire rate.

“This decision to me is a clear indication that council have chosen to rebuild a pool in Wonthaggi, and not on Phillip Island.

“It defies belief that the most discussed facility has been placed last on the priority list to be built, if at all.”

History

Prior to the amalgamation of the Bass, Wonthaggi and Phillip Island councils in 1994, a pool was to proceed as Stage 4 of Phillip Island’s Municipal Leisure and Recreation Plan.

A 1994 State government funded feasibility study supported the establishment of a pool on Phillip Island, but the study was shelved in 1995 by the newly created Bass Coast Shire Council’s appointed administrators, without reference to the new shire’s elected councillors in 1996 after a hiatus of two years.

Over the next decade, the island community's repeated calls and fundraising toward this facility continued, though were ignored by the new shire.

Three successive pool feasibility studies were funded by the community (one with assistance from Bass Coast Shire Council) in this period.

All had the same outcome: recommendations for a pool to be built on the island.

In 1999, State Premier Jeff Kennet, during a visit to Phillip Island, committed his government to fund a pool on the island, on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

The Phillip Island Aquatic Fund Inc was formally launched in 1999, at a gala dinner attended by 300 people, with pool patron Dawn Fraser in attendance.

In 2013 Bass Coast Shire Council resolved to redevelop the existing Wonthaggi pool; and consider a facility for Phillip Island in another 15 to 20 years.

Following strong and sustained objections from islanders, a consultant's survey was conducted by council on this issue, of some 380 persons.

This led to a further council resolution early in 2014: that two aquatic centres would be supported by council within the Bass Coast Shire. One at Wonthaggi and one on Phillip Island, at an estimated cost of about $10 million apiece (the island figure taken out of the last feasibility study funded by the Phillip Island Aquatic Centre Fund (PIACF) committee).

There was uproar, however, when the council placed no conditions on the Wonthaggi pool development, but voted that 50 per cent of the cost of the island pool must be raised by Phillip Island residents.

This meant island ratepayers would be required to pay through their rates for almost half of the Wonthaggi pool redevelopment, while still having to raise an additional estimated $5 million themselves, if their pool was to proceed.

In 2015, as lobbying by PIACF continued, Bass Coast Shire Council ratified land behind the Cowes Cultural Centre site as the site for a new pool.

In 2017 Bass Coast Council overturned that decision, agreeing to seek an alternative location.

In 2020, buyback of CA79 (the Carnival land) was completed.

In 2020 PIACF worked with other sporting organisations, to provide input to council for the preparation of a Sports and Recreation Master Plan for the 32-acre site.

In 2022, the Victorian Opposition Liberal Party pledged $42 million to build a pool on Phillip Island, if elected.

In April 2023 a community consultation survey conducted by council resulted in over 80 per cent of respondents identifying a Phillip Island Aquatic Centre as their priority for that site.

In September 2023, Bass Coast Council adopts the Recreation Reserve Master Plan, with timeline, listing an Aquatic Centre facility as a long term future project, 20 to 25 years away.

25/07/2023

What a great opportunity! Get in quick!

02/05/2023

From the Phillip Island & San Remo Advertiser

The community has broadly voiced support for the draft master plan of the proposed sports and recreation centre, on the corner of Phillip Island Road and Ventnor Road in Cowes.

Consultation sessions were held last week, with another on Wednesday May 3 and many others opting to respond online, with consultation closing May 17.

The draft plan includes a football/cricket oval, netball courts, athletics oval, aquatic centre, soccer pitch, multi-purpose pitches, eight tennis courts, event space, skate park, pump track, walking/running tracks, and dog park. There are also spectator shelters and a pavilion incorporating change rooms, canteen, storage and toilets, as well as two carparks providing 711 parking spaces in total.

Community members at the sessions applauded the plans, with one describing them as “well overdue”.

Project Manager Emma Allsop stressed the importance of community input.

“We’ve got the advice from the consultants, but at the end of the day, we are delivering this for the community and it’s important to get it right for them.”

As well as providing upgraded sporting facilities, Ms Allsop said one of the aims of the precinct was to get people reconnecting through the space.

She said feedback collected so far included catering for additional, or new sports including hockey, archery and softball, as well as maximising the multi-use spaces.

“We are getting really positive feedback.”

Once the consultation period finishes, feedback will be collated to see what changes to the plan are needed.

Master plan

Several people at the consultation events asked what would happen to the existing Cowes recreation reserve on the corner of Dunsmore Road, Church and Chapel streets.

Shire major projects manager Damian Prendergast said the current reserve was three-quarters owned by the Crown, with the shire owning the YMCA section.

“There are no plans for the current site,” Mr Prendergast said. “It’s out of our control what happens to Crown land.”

Many respondents have also questioned whether the proposed recreation reserve will happen “in our lifetime”.

Mr Prendergast said given the costs involved it would be a staged project, with staging determined by several factors, such as the availability of grants and the state of existing facilities.

Some clubs such as soccer, had newly upgraded facilities and have already indicated they were not keen to leave their existing facilities. Others, like the Football Netball Club, were bursting at the seams.

Although final staging had not been determined, the project is likely to begin with less-expensive sections.

“We are going to need government funding and it will certainly be a staged delivery,” Mr Prendergast said. “There will be money available for certain aspects and we will be able to start on aspects like vegetation.”

The final master plan is needed for future grant applications, to help fund the multi-million-dollar development.

With both state and Federal budgets tightening in the aftermath of Covid, project funding could be hard to secure, especially for high-cost items like the Aquatic Centre.

The Phillip Island centre is part of the Council’s $79.3 million two-pool strategy.

The Victorian government has ramped up its support for off-leash dog parks, through its Suburban Parks program and grants programs also exist that provide funding for play spaces, pump track and skate parks.

Safety

Although most feedback from the consultation sessions related to specific use of areas, or adjustments to proposed facilities, Cowes real estate agent Greg Price raised several safety concerns about the current plan.

Greg said the amount of vegetation would affect the BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) rating for the precinct.

“Some of the proposed vegetation works would preclude the precinct from being a safe haven,” he said.

He believes too much vegetation around the running circuit could be an issue, and it needed to be well lit, so that people felt safe using it.

“The revegetation is just not practical,” he said. “The plan has about a third of the area revegetated. But this is a recreation area, not a wildlife reserve.”

He also raised safety concerns about the planned lake, with its pedestrian circuit, saying it was a drowning risk.

“It has got to be fenced. It’s a public safety issue with kids.”

However he applauded the council for holding the open sessions.

“This is such an important project for generations to come and they have to get it right,” Greg said.

Secretary of the Phillip Island Aquatic Centre Fund Peter McMahon said members still wanted a hydrotherapy pool and a 50 metre competition size pool, rather than the proposed 25-metre pool detailed in the 2022 aquatic feasibility study.

“We are happy with this master plan,” Mr McMahon said.

“The major problem is the danger of the entry and exit. It’s ok if you’re driving into Cowes on the Phillip Island Road, but if you have to turn across traffic on a hectic day it will be a big problem. It should be entry off Phillip Island Road, exit off Ventnor Road.”

Online feedback, including a survey, is open until May 17 at www.engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/cowesrr

BROAD SUPPORT FOR SPORTS PRECINCT PLAN
The community has broadly voiced support for the draft master plan of the proposed sports and recreation area. KEEP READING AT:
https://www.pisra.com.au/broad-support-for-sports-precinct-plan

19/04/2023

Comments now available on the master plan for the new Cowes recreation reserve including an Aquatic Centre. Head to the Bass Coast Shire website - link below

The future sporting and recreation precinct for Phillip Island and surrounds

06/11/2022

2021 - 2022 AGM

As the year comes to an end, it is time for an update from the Phillip Island Aquatic Centre Fund Inc committee, regarding our long-awaited swimming centre and notably about our interactions with BCSC.

After working with council on a two-pool strategy earlier this year to try to gain funding promises from the Federal and State elections, the only party that has given a funding commitment is the Victorian LNP in the State election campaign. They have promised $42million to build the Phillip Island Centre. The ALP has yet to match this promise. However, we are pleased to say that PIACF has been able to achieve what the council couldn’t in securing such a promise. Please keep this in mind when voting later this year.

Working with council has been difficult at times and who know what the future will hold. The pandemic has triggered many to evaluate where they live and we have seen a significant growth in our population in the last 2 years. One thing for sure, as the population of the Island and San Remo continues to grow, so does the need for our Aquatic Centre. The latest Census data shows we can operate and run a profitable Aquatic Centre. We have produced, and shared, a report that shows how simple changes to current design concepts by council can make an Aquatic Centre economically and environmentally sustainable.

We will be holding our AGM for 2021-22 year via an online Zoom meeting on Tuesday 29th of November 7.00pm 2022.

Anyone interested should contact Peter McMahon on [email protected] to register your interest and obtain the zoom sign on. We are looking for a new and enthusiastic committee to tackle existing and new issues as they arise. So, if you are up for a challenge, we would love you to join us in the fight to achieve our 30-year battle. Please join us at our AGM. Should this not be possible you can always contact our Secretary Peter McMahon at [email protected]. Or alternatively you can download a membership and nomination form from www.piac.org.au on the membership page.

We have not been able to conduct any major fund-raising efforts over the past few years due to COVID and we have relied on our annual membership fee of $10 per person or $30 per family to keep going. If you can continue your support, please go to:
Bendigo Bank BSB 633000
Acct No 158796037 using your name as the reference.

Peter McMahon
Secretary/Treasurer
Phillip Island Aquatic Centre Fund Inc

30/07/2022

Nola Fenech (centre) called a meeting back in 1991, to get the ball rolling for the establishment of a Phillip Island pool. Thirty one years later, she is pictured celebrating last week’s pool pledge with Don Turner (left) PIACF president, and Peter McMahon PIACF secretary, with “cautious optimism. Don joined PIACF in 2005, and Peter became secretary in 2013, after years as an active member.

Nola Fenech’s initial reaction to the news last Wednesday that Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy has pledged $42 million to build an Aquatic Centre on Phillip Island, should the Liberal/National Coalition win government at the November state election, was one of “disbelief.”

But that has quickly changed to excitement and “cautious optimism” as she comes to terms with the fact that the dream she has held and worked toward for 31 years, may finally become a reality.

Nola launched the first Phillip Island Pool committee back in 1991, when she was in her early forties. Now in her late seventies, she remains an active member of what today is known as the Phillip Island Aquatic Centre Fund (PIACF).

Last week’s very welcome announcement saw much celebration locally; but a quieter approach from Nola, as she looked back at some of the highs and lows for PIACF, over those years.

Back in 1991, Nola worked for the Shire of Phillip Island, in the home care department, which looked after the frail and elderly members of our local (and much smaller) community.

One of her weekly tasks was to assist with organizing a bus load of about 30 seniors across to the Wonthaggi pool on Tuesdays, for a two-hour morning hydrotherapy session.

The bus had to leave at 8.30 am in order to complete the pick up across the island, to arrive at the pool in time for the 11am session.

It would leave Wonthaggi about 1.30pm, and complete the drop off by 4.30pm.

“The clients loved the warm pool, but they would be shattered at the end of the day. The hydrotherapy sessions were so beneficial, but exhaustion after such a long trip negated the benefit.”

One of Nola’s clients Edna Thompson, of Carisbrooke, suggested to her that she and her husband Vern would back a pool and hydrotherapy facility financially, if a pool appeal was launched.

Nola called the first pool meeting in 1991, and a committee was formed.

A pool was already Stage 4 of the Shire of Phillip Island Recreation Plan, and was scheduled for development in about 1994/95, after completion of Stage 1,2 and 3 which include the construction of the Cowes Recreation Centre.

The Shire of Phillip Island had also just purchased 80 acres of land (the old carnival site) for future development of an island sporting precinct.

The only pool on Phillip Island at that point available to the community for use was at the Isle of Wight Hotel. Publican Rick McKechnie kindly heated it up every Tuesday afternoon for Nola’s seniors’ group; and local kids also learned to swim there.

Amalgamation intervenes

When amalgamation of the Wonthaggi, Bass and Phillip Island councils was decreed in 1994 by the Kennett government, commissioners were appointed for two years to run the newly formed Bass Coast Shire.

The commissioners (unelected) decided not to proceed with a pool on Phillip Island, shredding the feasibility study which supported it, and within six months had sold the 80 acres the former council had set aside for development of an island sporting precinct, for $260,000. The funds went into the new shire’s general revenue.

Once it was finally understood that the new amalgamated Bass Coast Council had no intention of proceeding with the former Phillip Island Shire’s plans, the community push to build an Aquatic Centre on the island began in earnest.

It began with the establishment of The Phillip Island Aquatic Centre Fund (PIACF) by the community, following a huge public meeting held in October 1999, with 1700 members actively signing up to support the cause.

Olympian Dawn Fraser AO, who had agreed to become pool patron, officially launched the fundraising program at a huge gala dinner held at the Continental in Cowes in May 2,000.

The PIACF committee elected at the public meeting set about its work.

It developed a model for a 25-metre pool with hydrotherapy facilities, and embarked on a major fundraising campaign over the next decade, whilst also lobbying all levels of government to win support to build the facility.

“Our problem through the late nineties and noughties was always the refusal by the Bass Coast Shire to support us,” said Nola.

“I find it interesting that the Bass Coast Shire Council, twenty years on, has finally bought the sport precinct land they sold, back, but at a cost of $4 million. They purchased the first 40 acres of it for $1.3 million in 2017, and the remaining 40 acres quite recently for $2.7 million.”

Following the launch by Dawn Fraser, the community got behind the committee with gusto, remembers Nola.

“We sold naming pavers, which we still have, waiting to be laid; volunteers were paid to man the entrance gates at the Motorcycle Grand Prix for decades; we held fundraisers, including many at

Churchill Island, baked cakes, held stalls, ran balls and dinner dances, and even sold tickets for a few years at the Pyramid Rock New Year Music Festival.

“$300,000 was eventually raised and when two large hangars from interstate were donated to the committee, $80,000 was expended to get them down here.

“In the end they were not used by PIACF” recalls Nola, but one was donated to the Vietnam Veteran’s Museum committee, and now houses part of the present Vietnam Veterans Museum.”
Grants submitted.

In order to apply for a pool grant from both the State and Federal Governments, it was requisite upon PIACF to submit a comprehensive feasibility study along with each funding application, and this required professional help.

No less than six feasibility studies, prepared by consultants, were commissioned by PIACF in a period of twenty years.

“This was a very costly business, and dug deep into our reserves, but it had to be done,” says Nola.

“People can look at our balance sheet on our website (piac.org.au). It’s all there, where every penny expended and on what, has gone.”

“The work put in by so many people was voluntary. Everyone worked long and hard to pursue PIACF’s aim. Successive committees were elected over the years and carried on.

“Sadly, so many of those early, committed passionate pool supporters have not lived to see this great day. People like Phil Dixon, Colin Grey, Jock McKechnie, Alison Thomas, Merv Lincoln, just to name a few.”

Nola recalls the Adventure Resort on the main road offering five acres of land to council at a peppercorn rental, at one point, to help get the project off the ground.

And she says Phillip Island came very close to achieving an Aquatic Centre in 2006.

“PIACF had submitted an application to the Federal Regional Infrastructure Fund in 2006, and we were thrilled to hear back provisional approval, once one amendment was made. The year 2006 was unfortunately during a prolonged drought, and the PIACF application was sent back to us to be amended to include an underground water storage area. Our application was provisionally approved by the Howard government . . . but before its announcement, there was a change of government, and things changed. The Regional Infrastructure Fund program was put on hold by the incoming Rudd government and they initiated a new program to replace it. We were one of 600 applicants nationally for a program that approved 30 projects. We were unsuccessful.

“So near and yet so far,” is her memory of that time.

Nola said as the years passed, things changed and all subsequent applications had to be submitted through councils.

At one point, in 2016, Bass Coast Council resolved that it would support two new pools within the shire. One at Wonthaggi and one at Phillip Island.

“The council decreed that it would fully pay for a pool at Wonthaggi, but that Phillip Island residents would have to raise 50% of a pool there if they wanted one.

“That went down like a lead balloon on the island,” mused Nola.

“That meant that island ratepayers would have to contribute to the cost of a Wonthaggi pool through their rates, and remember we pay almost half of the entire Bass Coast rates; and then turn around and fundraise 50% of the cost of a pool on Phillip Island. This was completely inequitable, and caused uproar.”

Two pool strategy since adopted

In the past few years, Bass Coast Council has adopted a two-pool strategy, costed at $80 million plus.

The original 80 acres of land set aside by the old Shire of Phillip Island for a sports precinct has finally been bought back in its entirety by the Bass Coast Council.

An aspirational recreation plan for the site has been drawn up and paid for by PIACF.

Bass Coast Council has approved funding in this year’s budget for a master plan to be drawn up for the 80 acres it now owns.

Bass Coast Council has funded both a Phillip Island pool feasibility study and a magnificent Phillip Island Aquatic Centre pool design prepared by Otium consultants.

“As Mayor Michael Whelan said at the announcement. The project is shovel ready,” said Nola.

“Hopefully, my six-month-old great granddaughter Imogen, unlike her mother and grandmother, will be able to learn to swim in a Phillip Island Aquatic Centre pool.”

Nola Fenech called a meeting back in 1991, to get the ball rolling for the establishment of a Phillip Island pool.

27/07/2022

From The Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser

During his visit to Cowes last week to announce a $42 million Aquatic Centre commitment for Phillip Island by a Liberal led Coalition, should it be elected in November, Deputy Leader of the Opposition David Southwick recognised the huge community effort over a 30 year period that has gone into getting to this point...

“This is a “community first” driven project,” Mr Southwick said, adding “nothing really happens without a community spearheading and fighting for their needs.

“I can’t think of many projects where the community has kept up the momentum over three decades. That shows a real need.”

“For a project to be sustained throughout a 30 year campaign by local people, shows me that this pool needs to be done.”

He described the advocacy of PIAFC secretary Peter McMahon as “tremendous” in recent times, and acknowledged 30 years of hard work by the large numbers of individuals who had preceded him over three decades.

And he also acknowledged the importance of the work undertaken by the Bass Coast Shire in its support of the pool project, ensuring that plans are ready, that stakeholders are on board, that land has been purchased and the project is now shovel ready.

Mr Southwick thanked Liberal leader Matthew Guy for his strong support for this project and described him “as somebody that has been lobbying very strongly for this Aquatic Centre to be funded.”

And he commended the advocacy work undertaken by Liberal candidate for Bass Aaron Brown, to get the project over the line.

“We know how important this is to the community and thank you for your advocacy, because without that we wouldn't have this announcement today,” he said.

He said the fact that Dawn Fraser had launched the PIAFC fund campaign back in the year 2,000 and that it was still ongoing showed him the strength of support and the significance and importance of the project to the island community.

Smiles all round

Bass Coast Mayor Cr Michael Whelan has warmly welcomed last week’s pledge by the Victorian Liberal and National parties, that a $42 million Phillip Island Aquatic Centre will be built if a state Coalition government is elected in November.

“This has been a long time coming, and I thank you for it,” Cr Whelan told Mr Southwick and Coalition candidates for Bass Aaron Brown and Brett Tessari, at last week’s announcement.

Cr Whelan said that an Aquatic Centre on Phillip Island was a strong part of council’s two pool strategy. . . and part of a full recreation strategy that will enable more incredible sporting facilities to be developed on land purchased by the shire last year for this purpose.

He said that through the design work already completed by Otium consultants on council’s behalf, council has never been in a better position to deliver the pool project.

“That work has been acknowledged by the announcement today.”

”We are shovel ready and ready to go. We are looking forward to getting on with it.

Bass Coast CEO Ali Wastie said that the announcement was testament to council’s advocacy strategy, and that it was a reflection of community aspiration.

“We are absolutely delighted to receive this news of $42 million from the Liberal Party for the funding of the Phillip Island Aquatic Centre.

“This has been a long standing aspiration of the Phillip Island community. Council has done everything it can in terms of getting the project shovel ready, and buying the land.”

“We are really hoping, with fingers crossed, for a matching commitment from the Labor government come November so that we can deliver our two pool strategy.”

Aaron Brown

Speaking at last week’s announcement, Liberal candidate for Bass Aaron Brown said that $42 million is a huge funding announcement for a single project, and that it will back the health, well being and lifestyle needs of the people of the Bass Coast.

He said he had met with members of the Phillip Aquatic Centre, who had shared the 31 year history of the island’s fight for a pool; describing their advocacy for the pool project as tremendous,.

“But they had not been able to get anything across the line since 1991.”

“We need to listen to our communities and get outcomes for them. I have listened, and am pleased to get this across the line,” he said, also thanking the Coalition team headed by Matthew Guy for its support for the island project.

Mr Brown described the Aquatic Centre as a once in a 50 year opportunity, which does not come along very often.

“Generations after generation living here will benefit from this.

“It will be a very important facility for the lifestyle and health benefits it will provide, and a great boost for tourism.”

Brett Tessari

Brett Tessari, Nationals candidate for Bass and also a Bass Coast Shire councillor, described last week’s announcement as “Fantastic.”

He paid tribute to the foresight of the Bass Coast Shire Council for buying back the land on which a grand sporting complex is now planned, and which will see the establishment of many sporting facilities go ahead in the future.

Cr Tessari said that the process had been a long one, and he that had been involved in it for the past six years.

He thanked the Matthew Guy led Coalition for supporting the pool project.

“Let’s make sure that come November we can actually deliver on the project by being voted in.”

Phillip Island Aquatic Centre Peter McMahon, who has worked tirelessly for a pool for the last 13 years, made the following statement.

“After almost 30 years, Phillip Island residents have finally been listened to and heard. An Aquatic Centre will bring enormous benefits to everyone in our community . . . the young, the old and everyone in between, in so many ways.

Finally Phillip Islanders will be able to enjoy the health, lifestyle and well being opportunities an aquatic centre will bring, and that are taken for granted by most other communities across the state.

If it had not been for the work of Aaron Brown, the Liberal candidate for Bass, we would not have achieved this pledge.

Island ward councillor David Rooks described the announcement as “ incredibly exciting news for all Bass Coast residents.”

“Our Island community has been asking for a pool for a few decades now with the Phillip Island Aquatic Centre Fund leading the charge. The last few years have seen an enormous amount of planning and advocacy work go into Council’s two pool strategy for the Shire and this pledge by the Liberal Party recognises the incredible passion for aquatics in our community.

“The Master Plan for the future site of the pool and sporting precinct is due for completion this financial year.

“It’s indeed exciting times for our community.”

During his visit to Cowes last week to announce a $42 million Aquatic Centre commitment for Phillip Island by a Liberal led Coalition, should it be elected in November.