A new aquatic centre, more than $11 million in upgrades to the city port and a revamped surf life saving club are among the top priorities for Warnambool.
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The council's top 10 priorities were revealed at the December meeting on Monday night.
The council's draft advocacy plan for the next four years, which was revealed at its December council meeting on Monday night, includes a $200,000 feasibility study to investigate options.
The three options to be explored are rebuilding Aquazone at the current site, rebuilding it at a new site or the co-location of sports facilities in a precinct that includes an aquatic centre, multi sports stadium and athletics track.
Cr Debbie Arnott said she wanted to make it clear the council was advocating for all residents in the local government area.
"I see all these projects as important," she said.
The council's advocacy report states that while the facility has been refurbished over the years "it now struggles to meet the demands of a growing community".
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the facility had about 200,000 visits each year, it reveals.
Councillor Max Taylor said the city's outdoor 50-metre pool was in desperate need of attention. "In particular in would be great to see the 50-metre pool - the outdoor pool - get some attention," Cr Taylor said.
"It hasn't had any money spent on it for 60 years."
The report states Aquazone serves the region, with many clients coming from the surrounding Moyne Shire, which is without a comparable aquatic centre.
A safer port is also a top priority for the council, with the report recommending councillors advocate for at least $11 million for a range of upgrades.
This includes at least $8 million for construction of rock armouring, $2.4 million over 10 years for maintenance dredging, $850,000 for initial major dredging, $140,000 for the breakwater's upper walkway and funds to repair storm damage.
"The breakwater has, in recent years, shown signs of serious deterioration," the report states. "The eastern or seaward end of the breakwater is particularly vulnerable and was closed to foot traffic following a severe storm in May, 2021, that lifted pavement, flicked stone capping into the ocean and ripped out safety railing. Council will advocate for the repair of this important, historic state-owned asset."
A revamped surf life saving club, improved rail and developing a plan for the future of Flagstaff Hill round out the top five priorities.
A new building for the Warrnambool Art Gallery, the Brierly Park Master Plan, Bushfield-Woodford Structure Plan, small town sewerage upgrades and Raglan Parade pedestrian safety are also listed in the advocacy plan.
Cr Arnott said councillors were also keen to advocate for funds for smaller communities including Bushfield, Woodford and Allansford.
"We continue to record the fastest growth of towns and cities in the south-west and these priorities definitely see us moving in the right direction," she said.
Cr Ben Blain said the Brierly Park Master Plan was of particular importance to him.
"I believe there is a desperate need for more community infrastructure in this area," he said.
The motion to accept the advocacy report was passed unanimously.
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