Warrnambool weighs $75m pool cost as college facility closes
A $75 million AquaZone revamp faces funding delays as the city's main college pool closes end of December.
Warrnambool's College pool will shut at the end of December and be demolished in January, displacing about 1,400 children who learn to swim or train there. The city is pushing for state and federal funding to rebuild with AquaZone, a $75 million two-stage project.
Stage one costs about $54.7 million, stage two $20.7 million. Wannon MP Dan Tehan and local MPs are questioning the price.
Mr Tehan said some costs seem "ridiculously high" and the government must ensure value for money. Mayor Ben Blain defends the estimate, pointing out recent pool upgrades elsewhere cost between $46 million and $78 million.
With federal elections more than 18 months away, funding remains stalled.
- 1,400
- Children affected
- $75 million
- Total project cost
- $54.7 million
- Stage one cost
- $46 million to $78 million
- Comparison pool upgrades
Why it mattersSwimming lessons for 1,400 children are at risk if the project stalls further, and community access to aquatic facilities matters for health and safety.
Open this story in InSnip →
