AusLeisure

Citing rising operating and lifeguard shortages, the City of Greater Geelong is set to close the outdoor 50 metre pool at the newly opened North Bellarine Aquatic Centre for seven months from April.

Opened in November after a $15 million works program, the facility has since been visited more than 24,000 times.

City of Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan said it was originally planned for the pool to open 12 months a year but the change to a seasonal facility - announced prior to its opening - was due to the “difficult financial environment”.

Mayor Sullivan told the Geelong Advertiser “the aim is to introduce year-round opening times when budget allows.”

An objector to the closure was told “operational hours for the 2024/25 season will be reviewed at the end of this season and any changes will be based on usage and made in line with the city’s endorsed budget.”

The Federal and Victorian Governments have committed $20 million each to a second-stage expansion of the Centre.

While a timeline for the project has not been released, it is set to feature a range of indoor facilities, including pools, a gym and spa.

Prior to the long weekend, the City of Greater Geelong has highlighted that community might be faced with potential service disruptions at its seven aquatic centres due to a combination of the public holiday and the extreme heat event being experienced across Victoria.

Image: The North Bellarine Aquatic Centre at its opening in November. Credit: City of Greater Geelong.

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