Moyne Shire Council has adopted a new aquatic facilities strategy, which it says provides a clear, evidence-based roadmap to guide the future of aquatic services across the municipality.
The Moyne Aquatic Facilities Strategy was shaped by extensive community and stakeholder engagement, including input from pool user groups, local committees, schools, health partners and residents across the Shire.
Deputy Mayor, Myra Murrihy said the feedback has played a critical role in identifying priorities, understanding usage patterns and ensuring the Strategy reflects the needs and expectations of Moyne communities.
“We’ve heard clearly from our communities about how important our pools are – not just for recreation, but for health, social connection and local identity,” Cr Murrihy said.
“This Strategy reflects that feedback and sets a direction that is both ambitious and responsible.”
For Moyne’s outdoor pools in Hawkesdale, Macarthur and Mortlake, a strategic planning approach is recommended for the funding required to maintain the facilities for the next 10 years and beyond. This gives Council and each community a clear framework for the ongoing
investment, maintenance and renewal needed at every site, rather than decisions being made year to year, the Deputy Mayor said.
“Our pools in Hawkesdale, Macarthur and Mortlake are important community assets, and the Strategy sets out how we plan and fund them over the next decade and beyond.”
“It means residents in these towns can be confident their pools have a future, and that Council is planning responsibly for the works and investment required to keep them operating for their communities.”
The Strategy has specific recommendations for each pool, with common themes including more site programs, a review of season length and opening hours, and developing community partnerships and connections to increase pool usage.
A key recommendation of the Strategy is to undertake a feasibility study into the potential development of a new indoor warm water, year-round aquatic facility.
Councillors voted at the June Council meeting to allocate $80,000 in the 2026/2027 Council Budget to commission the feasibility study and business case, and to request Officers pursue grant opportunities to offset the cost of the study.
The study will investigate demand, possible locations, service offerings and financial considerations to inform any future Council decision.
“A feasibility study is the first step in understanding whether an indoor facility is viable for Moyne,” Cr Murrihy said.
“It’s about doing the groundwork properly so that any future investment is well-informed and sustainable.”
She said funding for aquatic facilities in Moyne was a key focus during a visit to Canberra last week, where meetings were held with key Government MPs and staffers at Parliament House.
“Moyne also put forward a motion to the Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly, which called for dedicated federal funding for the upgrade and renewal of rural and regional aquatic facilities.”
“The motion was adopted with strong support and is now part of the association’s national advocacy agenda.
“We took the opportunity to raise the need for funding as a critical issue with all government and opposition MPs we met with and spoke about this strategy and its recommendations.”
The Strategy also identifies the need to strengthen governance arrangements for aquatic facilities, with a focus on improving consistency, accountability and long-term viability across the network.
“Strong governance will help ensure our facilities are well managed and can continue to deliver for our communities over the long term,” Cr Murrihy said.
“We want to support local involvement while also ensuring clear and sustainable operating models.”
Programming will remain a key focus of the Strategy, ensuring facilities cater to a wide range of users, including families, schools, recreational swimmers and those seeking health and wellbeing benefits.
Council will now progress the Strategy’s recommendations in line with available resources and future decision-making processes.
“This is about making well informed, financially responsible decisions that support our communities now and into the future,” Cr Murrihy said.
View the new strategy: https://www.moyne.vic.gov.au/Your-council/Publications/Documents-plans-strategies-and-reports.
