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Darren Chester welcomes Aqua Energy redevelopment completion with modern aquatic, fitness, community facilities

Darren Chester welcomed the upcoming completion of Aqua Energy's multi-million-dollar redevelopment in Sale, delivering modern pools and accessible facilities, boosting community health, sport, tourism, jobs, and long-term regional wellbeing.

By news@gippsland - 19th September 2025 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the upcoming completion of the largest capital works project in Wellington Shire, the Aqua Energy redevelopment. Formerly known as Sale Swimming Pool, Aqua Energy has undergone significant works, with accessibility at the forefront of the design.

Darren Chester has welcomed the upcoming Aqua Energy redevelopment competition, which is set to provide long-term social, health, and economic benefits to the Sale and surrounding communities

Investing In wellbeing

Redevelopment works include a new wet area, including a new state-of-the-art 25-metre pool and hall, a zero-depth water play area and a fully accessible single-level pool deck for universal access, brand new change facilities, a new sauna, a 24-hour accessible gym, as well as a dedicated Learn to Swim office and a coordination space.

The multi-million-dollar transformation, set to provide long-term social, health, and economic benefits to the Sale and surrounding communities, will be unveiled next month with the official opening on Monday, October 6.

Backing community infrastructure

Mr Chester said the project was made possible through significant funding commitments from federal, state and local governments, together with generous philanthropic support from the John Leslie Foundation.

"This project is a great example of all levels of government working together to deliver vital infrastructure that supports local jobs, boosts the economy, and delivers long-term health and wellbeing benefits. The redevelopment, which began in October 2023, managed by Wellington Shire Council and delivered by Gippsland business Brooker Builders, is a major investment in our region's sporting and social infrastructure," Mr Chester said.

Stronger regional future

Mr Chester said the official opening will be a celebration for the community. "This project is about investing in the future of our community and making sure we have the facilities we need to support local sport, tourism and community connections."

"The redeveloped Aqua Energy will provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to stay active, support ongoing employment for skilled workers, and become a hub for health, wellbeing and community life for years to come," he said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  West Gippsland CMA has launched Together for the Tarwin, funding six projects over 18 months to restore wetlands, waterways and habitats while strengthening community stewardship across the Tarwin catchment.
• New Bairnsdale footpath to improve access between Princes Highway and key health and community facilities
  A new 280-metre concrete footpath will link Bairnsdale’s Princes Highway with key health and community facilities, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, with construction beginning September 21 and lasting six weeks.
• Melina Bath calls on Labor to protect locally raised foreshore funds and community priorities across Eastern Victoria
  Nationals MP Melina Bath has urged Labor to guarantee $500,000 raised by San Remo residents remains dedicated to local foreshore projects following committee merger concerns.
• Phillip Island prepares for final MotoGP weekend celebrating three decades of racing, community spirit, entertainment and history
  Phillip Island will host its final MotoGP from October 23-25, celebrating three decades of racing while showcasing community festivities, entertainment and the island’s motorsport legacy.
• Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration
  The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups secure funding for environmental projects and community conservation across the region
  East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities.
• Bairnsdale Library unveils upgraded outdoor spaces with new shade structures, refreshed courtyard and improved facilities for community activities
  Bairnsdale Library has unveiled upgraded outdoor spaces featuring two louvred shade structures, refreshed courtyard landscaping and vegetable beds, supported by $79,104 in Living Libraries Infrastructure Program funding.
• Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council has released the draft Omeo District Place Plan for feedback, prioritising health, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness. Submissions close October 2.
• Baw Baw Shire Council Annual Report highlights major achievements, $23.9M road investment and community improvements in 2025-26
  Baw Baw Shire Council’s 2025-26 Annual Report highlights facility upgrades, more than $400,000 in community grants, a new emergency dashboard and $23.9 million invested in road improvements.
• Cycling Without Age Gippsland returns with free trishaw rides around Sale’s Lake Guthridge for community passengers and visitors
  Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers.
• West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
  More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming.
• Venus Bay IRB Women's Rescue Team, Morrie Tatnell and Jessica Woodward recognised as one of the winners for the Life Saving Victoria Awards of Excellence 2026
  Life Saving Victoria celebrates volunteer lifesavers, aquatic professionals and organisations at Awards of Excellence, recognising outstanding contributions to keeping Victoria’s waterways safe.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups recognised at Victorian Awards celebrating 40 Years of environmental stewardship and community conservation efforts
  East Gippsland Landcare groups Moogji Aboriginal Council and FEVL received the First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award, while Romawi Landcare was highly commended for innovation and its ongoing conservation efforts.
• Bass Coast businesses celebrated at 2026 Business Awards, recognising excellence and community contribution
  The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrated local business excellence, with Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre named Business of the Year after winning four awards.
• Baw Baw Shire expands environmental rebate to encourage reusable products, cut waste and boost community sustainability
  Baw Baw Shire Council has expanded its environmental rebate into three categories, helping residents buy reusable products, reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable households through partial purchase rebates.