A massive cost blowout has forced Hobsons Bay council to put a proposed aquatic centre in Altona Meadows on hold.
Having originally been given a price tag of $60 million when first endorsed by council in 2019, The Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre project at Bruce Comben Reserve has now been estimated to cost $99 million, an increase of 65 per cent in six years.
The council said after detailed design works for the project were completed, an updated cost estimate found a rise in construction costs, an increased level of risk and the redevelopment would impact other sporting fields at Bruce Comben Reserve.
With $10 million from the Victorian government the only outside funding for the project, Hobsons Bay council would have to fund the other $89 million itself, a price tag council officers argued could only be achieved by slashing its future capital works budget.
At the April 29 council meeting, councillor unanimously decided for the project be paused and council’s aquatic strategy be reviewed, despite the anger, frustration and disbelief expressed by some councillors.
Councillor Diana Grima who represents Altona Meadows ward where the aquatic centre project is to be located, said this was a huge letdown for her constituents.
“Many residents have expected this (aquatic centre) would be happening,” said Cr Grima, adding that lack of a swimming pool in the area meant local children were being left behind.
“We’re volunteering kids who’ve never been in a swimming pool.”
Councillor Paddy Keys-Macpherson, who had earlier asked about the continued delay in re-opening the upgraded Laverton Aquatic Centre, said he was “frustrated, angry and sad” at the situation.
“I believe this project is needed and I believed we had a process to get there,” he said.
Mayor Daria Kellander argued such projects were too big for local governments to fund on their own and attempting to was “a risk that will threaten the financial viability of this council.”
Cr Kellander highlighted a New South Wales council that had to double rates in order to pay for a swimming pool.
“I’m not willing to take this council down this path,” she said.
