Have your say on the Draft Aquatic Strategy in 2022

Have your say on the Draft Aquatic Strategy in 2022

Published on 16 December 2021

Gannawarra Shire Council will undertake an extensive community engagement program regarding its Draft Gannawarra Aquatic Strategy during 2022, with Council endorsing the document to proceed to the community engagement stage at the December 2021 Council Meeting.

It is important to note that no decisions have been made on the future of aquatic facilities in Gannawarra.

The Draft Aquatic Strategy explores a number of recommendations that are now available for community consultation. The final Aquatic Strategy will only be developed once an extensive consultation process has been undertaken. Input and collaboration with community members, user groups and key stakeholders will be critical to the development of the final draft of the strategy.

The Draft Aquatic Strategy was developed following feedback from residents and key stakeholders via surveys and on-site meetings, technical assessments of all Council and community-managed facilities in the municipality and the development of a strategic directions options analysis report, the draft document explores the following strategic directions:

The redevelopment of the Kerang Swimming Pool to include a new indoor integrated aquatic centre; Development of a new swimming pool complex in Cohuna, featuring an outdoor leisure lagoon, water play space and learn to swim area, to replace the current facility; Maintain the Koondrook Swimming Pool under current management arrangements; and Work with Department of Environment Land Water and Planning and community asset committees to consider the future of the Leitchville and Quambatook swimming pools.

“The approval to take the Draft Gannawarra Aquatic Strategy out for wide-spread community engagement is another key step towards the development of this important strategy,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

“Developed using extensive research and featuring evidence based recommendations, the Draft Gannawarra Aquatic Strategy proposes a bold change to the provision of aquatics within the Gannawarra, with a focus more on modern and contemporary use, rather than focusing on retaining a model of service that was established when the outdoor facilities were built over 50 years ago.

“It is important to note that a final decision regarding the future of swimming pools throughout the Gannawarra has not been made.”

Residents will be able to provide feedback regarding the Draft Gannawarra Aquatic Strategy via an extensive community engagement process that will begin in March 2022.

“As outlined in the engagement plan endorsed at the December 2021 Council Meeting, residents will be able to engage with Council via a range of opportunities, including pop-up sessions similar to what occurred during the development of the 2021-2025 Gannawarra Shire Council Plan and meetings with committees and groups that use our swimming pools,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“This process will also allow Councillors to develop a better understanding of any potential impacts on the community that the Draft Gannawarra Aquatic Strategy will have now and into the future.”

Details regarding the community engagement process for the development of the Draft Gannawarra Aquatic Strategy will be publicised once further details are confirmed via Council’s printed publications, website and social media accounts.

“Residents are also encouraged to note that this process will not change the existing operations of Council-managed and community-managed pools within the Gannawarra at this time,” Mayor Gillingham said.

For more information regarding Council and community-managed pools located within the Gannawarra, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/pools