Over the course of a month, Rochester residents shared their feedback on council’s proposed designs through community drop-in sessions and surveys.
Of the three designs, more than 70 per cent of respondents voted for a 25m pool with amenities including a kiosk and water play elements worth $12.5 million.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell was pleased with the community response.
“With 582 survey responses and over 150 attendees at drop-in sessions held at Rochester hall, the level of engagement has been outstanding,” he said.
“It was very pleasing that the consultation process had reached such a broad cross-section of the community, including schools, businesses and community organisations.
“This feedback demonstrates a deep local interest in the future of aquatic facilities and a shared vision for enhancing community wellbeing.”
Following the consultation period, representatives from Otium Planning created a report based on information gathered from community members and key stakeholders.
The report highlighted the community’s strong support for the 25m pool option and identified it as a critical asset for delivering health and wellbeing benefits, offering a safe space for swimming and supporting school and community activities.
Rochester Swimming Club secretary Peter Romer said the future aquatic facility would benefit a wide range of community members.
“I think the outcomes were as expected given the questions and how they were phrased but, nevertheless, a 25m pool with water play elements is a good outcome for the young and young at heart in the community,” he said.
“It’s a win-win for everybody in terms of lap swimming and competitive swimming, and the water play elements is a win for younger children, grandparents and other people who like to take young kids to the pool, but not necessarily get in the water.
“I’m glad that we’re all moving forward and this project’s moving forward. It’s important that it doesn’t get forgotten.”
Mr Romer hopes the plans will soon reach a stage that allows the community to lobby for government funding before the next budget and election cycles.
Having pledged $5 million towards the design, council is now focused on securing the remaining funds needed to reach the $12.5 million construction cost.
Council is also looking at the possibility of installing infrastructure such as power and water connections and plant capacity, to enable a splash park at a later stage.
To stay updated on the Rochester Aquatic Facility development, visit https://tinyurl.com/5ahm4v64
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