Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News

Y Get Involved In Bass Coast Leisure?

Everyone with an interest in sport and recreation is being urged to provide feedback on the Aquatic and Leisure Centre Feasibility Study.

By Bass Coast - 7th April 2011 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council’s Community and Economic Development Director, Steven Piasente, said the Centre in Wonthaggi was already at capacity.

"The Study shows that the Centre is not meeting the community needs," said Mr Piasente.

"People and clubs aren’t able to access the services and facilities they want. We are asking people to give us feedback on the findings of the study, so we can clearly establish whether our community believes this upgrade is necessary."

For more than ten years, the YMCA, in partnership with Council, has run the Centre. Ash Crimmins, Manager Bass Coast YMCA, says it is vital the community have their say about the redevelopment.

"We’ve worked hard to maintain a safe environment and use the exisiting facilities to the fullest, but services are really at their limit," said Mr Crimmins.

"The proposed developments would allow us to introduce more programs and bring new users to the centre."

Making a splash

During March, there were over 10,000 visits to the Centre. Mr Crimmins said there was a big need for improved aquatic facilities.

"There is a huge demand on the pool from clubs, schools, aqua aerobics and aquatic education classes, as well as the general public," explained Mr Crimmins.

"It is hard to juggle all the existing needs. For example, we have to limit our warm water programs to one day a week, as the heating in the pool needs to be turned up overnight for pre-school swim classes, exercise, aqua aerobics and rehabilitation sessions.

"Our aquatic education classes have children on the waiting list and we cannot offer more classes, because there aren’t enough lanes available.

"I know the clubs would like more access to lanes, but we simply don’t have any more space available."

Hitting the gym

The challenge to accommodate competing needs are similar outside of the pool said Mr Crimmins.

"Our group fitness sessions have to share space with other stadium users, including vacation care and the gymnatics program," explained Mr Crimmins.

"This is an area where there is a growing demand. If we had a dedicated space for the sessions, we would be able to expand our fitness classes program to cater for this.

A regional facility

Recent population figures show that Bass Coast is the fastest growing regional area in Victoria and the fourth fastest in the State.

"It is clear that Council needs to address the current issues of the Centre and plan for future needs," said Mr Piasente.

"People who use the Centre come from all across Bass Coast and the proposed redevelopment would create a regional facility.

"The upgraded centre could be renamed to reflect this."

Mr Piasente confirmed support for the redevelopment of the Aquatic and Leisure Centre did not rule out a facility on Phillip Island in the future.

Have your say

Residents have until 27 May to provide their feedback on the Feasibility Study.

A brochure summarising the Study and a feedback form is available at all Council Customer Service Centres and Bass Coast YMCA Centres, as well as a viewing copy of the complete Study. These are also available online at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au.

Feedback must be supplied in writing. You can register your feedback online, or mail the feedback form to Mr Allan Bawden, Chief Executive Officer, Bass Coast Shire Council, PO Box 118, WONTHAGGI 3995.

For more information contact:

Eleanor McKay

communications coordinator

t (03) 5671 2296 | f (03) 5671 2222 | m 0407 557 620

e e.mckay@basscoast.vic.gov.au

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
  Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening.
• Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination.
• Bass Coast Shire Council hosts free creative industries workshop with marketing strategies, PR insights on 12 November 2025
  Bass Coast Shire Council is hosting a free creative industries workshop in Cowes on 12 November, offering marketing strategies, PR insights, business support, and networking with local media.
• Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
  Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland Sporting Clubs to register for Get Active Kids Voucher Program reopening on October
  Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland sporting clubs to register for the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, supporting families with up to $200 per child for sports fees, uniforms, and equipment.
• Wellington Shire Council proudly announces the $23M Aqua Energy Leisure Centre redevelopment opens 7 October 2025
  Wellington Shire Council is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated redevelopment of Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale is complete, with the $23 million facility set to open officially to the public on Tuesday 7 October 2025.
• Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
  Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
• Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
  Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection.
• Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub.
• Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve officially opens during Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Finals celebrations on Saturday
  Swifts Creek will celebrate the official opening of its $2.9 million upgraded recreation reserve during the Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Final on Saturday, 6 September 2025.