A major new aquatics and leisure centre for Lilydale, extensions to the Monbulk Aquatic Centre and the Yarra Centre and a decade of pool works have been outlined in Council's Draft Aquatics Strategy.
On Tuesday, 24 October, Councillors voted to release the Draft Aquatics Strategy 2023-33 to the community for feedback.
The strategy was created using more than 2000 community member and club comments, gathered earlier this year in a survey about pools and water play parks.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child said the draft strategy outlined the coming 10 years of works, maintenance and growth for each aquatics facility in the region.
"We've been eagerly anticipating an Aquatics Strategy for years – something that will outline the future of our pools and water play parks, provide recommendations for upgrades, and map out the road towards a Yarra Ranges that is more active and better serviced by its facilities," Cr Child said.
"A major part of this draft strategy is investigating opportunities for an integrated aquatic and wellness centre – a regional-level pool that would offer spaces to benefit many in the community, in Lilydale where public transport is available.
"We have also identified major upgrades that we would like to see at the Monbulk Aquatic Centre, the Yarra Centre and Healesville Outdoor Pool, to improve the experience for community members and ensure these beloved facilities continue to serve the region for years to come.
"This plan has been informed by extensive feedback from our community, detailed catchment mapping, benchmarking against sporting facility trends, and operating performance.
"The goal of this strategy is to ensure that our aquatic facilities are environmentally and financially sustainable, support participation and inclusion, and provide economic benefits to the wider community.
"We're all extremely excited about the possibilities for our local pools, and I think this strategy will reflect the enthusiastic and diverse commentary we received earlier this year."
Proposed upgrades to the Monbulk Aquatic Centre include an additional pool program, improving disability and inclusion access, extending the gym and providing a new program room.
Proposed upgrades to the Yarra Centre include a new entry and café, extension of the pool hall to incorporate a new warm water pool, spa and accessible change facilities, redevelopment of the gym and creation of an external fitness zone.
All proposed upgrade works will be assessed in business cases, which will be subject to community engagement, to ensure local needs are heard and met.
The Aquatics Strategy also outlines the reasons for the permanent closure of the Kilsyth Centenary Pool, following significant infrastructure defects, repeated vandalism of the pool's inflatable dome and leaking of chlorinated pool water.
"Closing a pool is never a light decision to make, and we know it has many impacts on the community," Cr Child said.
"Sadly, this facility is beyond the end of its functional life and doesn't meet the standards that users should expect at an aquatics facility. It's inaccessible, uncomfortable and would require significant funding just to return it to a useable state.
"The closure of the Warburton pool, long ago, was keenly felt by the community, and we're extremely aware of the impact the closure will have between now and when a new facility opens in the region, which will be some years away.
"The land where the pool is will remain with Council and be reinstated back to parkland. A Masterplan for the Kiloran Park precinct will be completed shortly to look at how the community wants to use this area, which may include ways to memorialize the pool.
"With the recent land purchase of 150 Cambridge Road for $6.4M, and master planning underway, recently completed works at Elizabeth Bridge Reserve ($1.4M), and $18M worth of developments at Pinks Reserve, there's some exciting developments for open space and recreation in Kilsyth.
"Moving forward with the Draft Aquatics and Leisure Strategy will take us into the future with new, improved and modern facilities for all our resident
"In the meantime, we pledge to work with the Lilydale Swimming Club and other pool users as we develop a new facility in the heart of Lilydale, outlined in this strategy."
Cr Child encouraged community members to read the strategy and share their thoughts.
"Some of the largest infrastructure projects we've ever run as Council will occur because of this strategy, and the community and expert feedback that has informed it.
"Of course, this is a crucial stage where we put this strategy to you, and ask you to have a read, have a chat with your friends, neighbours and clubs, and come back to us.
"We want to hear from you and know if we've missed anything."
Feedback closes on the document on Monday, 11 December.
