One of four options in a draft strategy paper lists rebuilding the decommissioned diving pool and installing two boards at a total cost of $850,000.

The pool was controversially closed in 2005 after the city council heeded advice about safety risks and repair bills.

All the options are contained in a report unveiled yesterday for public comment until February 15. Council will make a final decision before June 30.

It follows months of consultation and feedback from more than 1000 people on ways to rejuvenate the facility on Queens Road, which was first opened more than 60 years ago. AquaZone celebrated its 10th anniversary this year as a redevelopment of the original outdoor pool complex.

Suggested individual improvements range from renewal of the existing 50-metre outdoor pool at a cost of about $1.6m through to a new indoor 50-metre pool and 20m indoor warm water pool, expanded gymnasium indoor splash pad, indoor adventure play area and waterslides costing $12.5m.

The council’s recreation and culture manager Russell Lineham said AquaZone attracted about 200,000 paid attendances a year and an upgrade would enhance its status as a regional recreation centre.

“We’ve put the strategy together and when we get community feedback we’ll take it to focus groups including young people,” he said.

People can vote on the council’s new online consultation website www.yoursaywarrnambool.com.au for their preferred option and can prioritise development proposals.

“We want to hear what the community wants to see at AquaZone in the future,” Mr Lineham said. Longer operating hours and different entry fees and membership packages are also floated.

The four main proposals are:

Option 1: Outdoor 50m pool renewal and gym expansion — estimated cost $3.1m.

Option 2: Option 1, plus outdoor splash pool, dive pool, water slide and outdoor play area — estimated cost $5.35m.

Option 3: A new indoor 50m pool and gym expansion, indoor splash pad, adventure play area and waterslides — estimated cost $8.3m.

Option 4: New indoor 50m pool, warm water program pool, gym expansion, indoor splash pad, adventure play area, waterslides — estimated cost $12.5m. 

The report says if the diving pool was to be reinstated there would need to be a complete rebuild and safety standards would require extra staff and input costing about $2600 a week.

Copies of the strategy and feedback forms are also available from AquaZone and the Civic Centre.