By Alesha Capone
Wyndham council will spend $70,000 on a feasibility study into building a third major indoor sports facility in the municipality.
The funding was included in the council’s 2021-22 draft budget, which was released last week.
Wyndham mayor Adele Hegedich it is not yet known whether the facility would be an aquatic or indoor sports centre.
“Demand for a new indoor sports facility continues to grow as Wyndham’s population soars,” Cr Hegedich said.
“Wyndham’s future planning identifies that four new indoor facilities need to be built between now and 2045, and the study will consider the appropriate timing for the delivery of those facilities as well as possible funding models.”
She said that prior to COVID-19, Aquapulse in Hoppers Crossing and Eagle Stadium in Werribee were attracting about one million visitors per year.
Cr Hegedich said that once the site for the third sport centre’s development was confirmed, the council would progress feasibility planning and commence development of a concept plan for community feedback.
She said that due to the high cost of building a new sports facility, the council would likely require state and federal government assistance to fund the project.
Cr Susan McIntyre said the Point Cook and Williams Landing communities have been vocal in asking for an indoor sports facility to be built in their area.
“I will be advocating strongly for it,” she said.
Point Cook residents have been campaigning for the council to build a major aquatic facility in their suburb for at least a decade.
In June 2018, resident Christine Macpherson made a submission to Wyndham council’s annual budget on behalf of the Point Cook Action Group, requesting a swimming pool or indoor recreational facility be constructed in the area.
However, Cr Josh Gilligan said that Tarneit was “in dire need of an indoor sport recreational facility”.
Cr Gilligan said he looked forward to the council hopefully prioritising this, in addition to building the 15,000 seat Wyndham City Stadium and elite sports training facility at 1160 Sayers Road, Tarneit, which will be home to the Western United Football Club.
