A major redevelopment of the Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre to include a 25-metre pool and upgraded changerooms will become a reality if the Liberals and Nationals are elected to government.
The Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy visited Stawell today to announce an $8 million commitment to upgrade the centre.
Ms Kealy said Northern Grampians Shire Council had been advocating for the project for many years, with the centre – which has more than 50,000 visitors each year – seeing no significant updates since it opened in 1986.
“The centre currently has a 15-metre pool that is used by more than 500 learn-to-swim participants each year alone, but because of its size it struggles to meet demand for a growing community,” she said.
“The pool also does not have ramp access, making it extremely difficult for those with additional needs, and the existing changerooms are not co-located within the pool area, which is no longer compliant with modern regulations.
“Under the Liberals and Nationals, Stawell and surrounding communities will finally see the investment their facility deserves to make it more accessible for everyone.”
Northern Grampians Shire Mayor Karen Hyslop welcomed the announcement for phase one of the centre’s redevelopment.
“The redevelopment has been identified as a priority for council since 2021 and is vital to futureproof the centre, which is an ageing facility that does not meet community demands or contemporary accessibility expectations,” she said.
“Phase one of the redevelopment centres on the aquatics component and involves increasing the pool size from 15 metres to 25 metres, installing an accessible pool entry ramp, and updating the change rooms to support people of all abilities.
“These improvements would dramatically improve the amenities available and benefit our residents for generations.
“Council has earmarked a $5.445 million contribution towards the redevelopment, but obviously we cannot deliver projects on this scale alone.
“We’ve been heavily advocating for this project at both state and federal level of government, and we thank Member for Lowan Emma Kealy and the Nationals for their support and recognition of how vital this asset is to our community.”
Ms Kealy congratulated the council and locals for their advocacy.
“I’m proud to work alongside our communities to secure investment in the services and facilities our region needs,” she said.
“This commitment is part of The Nationals’ positive plan to rebuild regional Victoria, backed by a Fair Share Guarantee to ensure regional communities receive their fair share of government infrastructure investment.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the Stawell community to bring this upgrade to life.”