Bass Coast Shire is looking to state and federal politicians for funding of a new $47 million aquatic centre in Wonthaggi, and a tight Victorian election could be just what it needs to secure the dough.

What happened: At a council meeting last week, Bass Coast Shire councillors unanimously voted to award a $1.1 million design contract for a new Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Wonthaggi.

  • This decision included the allocation of an additional $462,000 of council funds to the works, which will keep the project within its $47 million budget.

The shire has committed $15 million to the upgrade of the Wonthaggi leisure centre but is asking for an additional $15 million each from the state and federal governments.

Traralgon drivers navigate pothole-riddled roads as councils wait for state funding

A

What they said: Councillor Mat Morgan told the chamber the council has done everything it can to secure funding for the development.

"We've jumped in the swimming pools. We've awarded contracts,” Morgan said. “This is a desperate call for every single elected member of state and federal parliament to come up and show us the money.”

  • Councillor Jon Temby told the meeting that "despite the increased costs involved, it deserves our support".

The proposed new facility will replace the Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Wonthaggi, which is 46 years old.

The Bass Coast aquatic strategy commits to delivering a Phillip Island facility after the Wonthaggi redevelopment, also subject to state and federal funding.

Gippsland wind farm agreements promise jobs and revenue for Indigenous community and region

“Gunai/Kurnai people are going to benefit from this, but the conversations we're having are going to benefit the broader community as well.”

Upcoming poll potential

For some lucky regions, the lead up to an election can present an opportunity to gain funding from state or federal political parties eager to win over constituents.

The seat of Bass is one such region. With only around 200 votes handing Labor’s Jordan Crugnale victory in 2022, political parties will be looking to sway voters with big promises.

Last year, Crugnale announced she would not contest the seat at the upcoming election, and in November the Labor Party announced Inverloch resident and former CEO of Casey Cardinia Libraries and the Latrobe Valley Authority, Chris Buckingham, as its candidate for the seat.

In April, the Liberal Party selected former Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Rochelle Halstead, as its candidate.

  • The Monitor contacted both Halstead and Buckingham for comment but did not receive a response prior to publication.

Keep Reading