Campaspe Shire Council committed $5 million to new aquatic facilities in Rochester earlier this year. Pictured are Mayor Daniel Mackrell, councillors Paul Jarman and Tony Marwood and Deputy Mayor Jessica Mitchell. Photo: Supplied.
Rochester residents can help shape the aquatic future of the town.
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Community members are being encouraged to get involved in the development of the aquatic facility in town by completing a short survey and attending a drop-in session.
Campaspe Shire Council commissioned a feasibility study in 2023 following the irreparable damage to the pool during the 2022 floods.
The study reviewed the aquatic services provided in Rochester and featured extensive input from the community, where residents contributed their ideas about what was needed in the future.
A functional brief was prepared and, in March 2024, council allocated funding to design a new aquatic facility in the same location as the current pool.
Earlier this year, the pool was demolished and landscaped for community use and to ensure the area would be ready when funding became available for construction of a new facility.
In April 2025, council committed $5 million to the project and has been advocating for funding from the state and federal governments.
As external funding hasn’t been realised, council is seeking community input on whether to proceed with a staged approach or wait for future funding.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell encouraged residents to take part in the consultation and share their thoughts on the future of the Rochester aquatic facility.
The Rochester pool was demolished earlier this year.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
“Residents’ input is invaluable in helping us make informed decisions that best serve our community,’’ he said.
“We will have opportunities for people to have their say online or in person so that we can obtain as much feedback as possible to inform the next steps.
“Council is committed to providing high-quality aquatic facilities that meet the needs of our residents.’’
Residents can provide feedback via a short survey, and/or take part in a facilitated session to help inform council’s decision on how the project proceeds.
Three design options will be available for the community to choose from:
Option one: construct a splash park and lagoon pool with amenities.
Option two: construct a 25m pool, including a park with water play elements and amenities.
Option three: construct a splash park and amenities.
The flood waters ravaged the pool in October 2022. Photo: Supplied
Drop-in sessions will be held at the Rochester Shire Hall on Thursday, July 3, from 4pm to 6pm and 7pm to 9pm and Friday, July 4, from 9am to 11am.
The engagement process will also include interviews with key stakeholders and user groups.
To complete the survey as part of the consultation, visit campaspe.vic.gov.au/nowopen or visit any council service centre for a hard copy of the survey.
The consultation period will be open for four weeks from Monday, June 23, until Wednesday, July 23.
From the archives — the Rochester Memorial Swimming Pool. The photo appeared in the Campaspe News 50 years ago. Now residents are being encouraged to have their say on the future of aquatic services in Rochester. The photo is courtesy of Mr F. Smith of Rochester.
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