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Council On The Path Towards Improved Aquatic Facilities For Traralgon  Traralgon Outdoor Pool After an extensive consultation phase for the proposed new indoor aquatic facility in Traralgon, Latrobe City has decided not to pursue Development Scenario 2C, By Latrobe City - 27th May 2011 - Back to News the option recommended following the completion of a detailed feasibility study.
However, Latrobe City wishes to assure the community that the idea of developing of an indoor aquatic facility in Traralgon will be subject to further consideration by Council in terms of the potential options of developing an improved facility on the site of the current outdoor pool.
Councillor Rohan Fitzgerald, in moving the recommendation, included additional points that require Council to investigate the use of a legal or other instrument over the land at Hubert Osborne Park that would protect it from future sale; that a report be presented to Council on its findings, and that a working party of stakeholders be established. The motion was carried unanimously.
Council asked the community for feedback on the proposal to establish the new indoor facility at Catterick Crescent; co-located with the Traralgon Sports Stadium. To enable this to be funded, it was proposed that the current outdoor pool be decommissioned and the site sold, with all funding (estimated at $10 million) going towards the development of the new facility.
Latrobe City mayor, Councillor Darrell White, said that the decision was a great example of how community engagement worked, with many residents taking a keen interest in the proceedings.
"Council put an idea out there, based on the consulting team’s advice, for the community to consider and debate. The reaction was mixed with some people indicating that they viewed the option put before them as a practical way of finally bringing this project to fruition. Ultimately, however, the opposition to this particular proposal was overwhelming and Council has taken these views on board in making this decision.
"There was a great deal of interest in the proposal with well over 1,000 people providing some form of written submission to Council. Council also held a special council meeting in April to allow residents to address Council in person prior to any decision being made," Cr White explained.
"The complexities of the arguments both for and against various scenarios proposed during the consultation phase made the decision-making process even more challenging for Council. However, there was a high level of public opposition to the adoption of Development Scenario 2C. In particular, there was significant opposition to the proposal to decommission the Traralgon Outdoor Pool and subsequently sell the land to fund a new indoor facility.
"Whilst every care was taken to ensure that the amount of readily accessible open space in this area would not be reduced, residents indicated that the amenity in this area would be severely compromised if the pool and croquet club were to be developed for commercial or residential use.
"Aside from a large section of the community indicating that they are opposed to selling any land in the Hubert Osborne Park precinct, there was also a high level of concern raised about the facility being developed at Catterick Crescent. This opposition came primarily from local residents; however, there were people who did not live in that particular neighbourhood who also indicated their support for the aquatic facility in Traralgon to remain in its current central location.
"It would be pertinent to remind the community that one option from the feasibility study remains on the table – Development Scenario 1 – which proposed the construction of the Traralgon Indoor Aquatic and Leisure
Centre on the current site of the Traralgon Outdoor Pool. Therefore, the outdoor pool would be demolished and not replaced, and Council would assist the Traralgon Croquet Club to find alternative premises. This scenario would not impinge on the open space or park area of Hubert Osborne Park.
"This would be a useful option to explore as we already have an understanding of the ongoing and capital costs for developing an aquatic centre at this site," Cr White explained.
Cr Fitzgerald agreed that the project was by no means finished and the concept of developing an indoor aquatic facility in Traralgon was still very much on the agenda.
"Council has requested officers to undertake further work for future consideration by Council and the community. Part of my alternative motion was that an invitation be extended to the Traralgon Swimming Club, Traralgon Community Development Association, Save Hubert Osborne Park Group and the Traralgon Croquet Club to form a working party to assist in any future investigations.
"As Council has now endorsed the concept that the Hubert Osborne Park site should remain the home of aquatic infrastructure in Traralgon, there are a number of options to investigate.
"We can look at the development of an indoor facility on the site of the current outdoor pool. This is significantly more expensive than the option that was recently suggested to the community so a longer term view would have to be taken if Council decided to go down this path. This would also require another phase of consultation with the community.
"Further, submissions received during the consultation period suggested that a section of the Traralgon community were willing to consider other options regarding the provision of local aquatic facilities and were not necessarily demanding a state-of-the-art, modern facility; but to retrofit the current aquatic facility in Traralgon in an effort to extend the season and increase participation," Cr Fitzgerald explained.
Cr White said that the development of such a facility (retrofitting/upgrade of current Traralgon Outdoor Pool) was not considered in the feasibility study as the original phase of consultation resulted in an assessment being made that the community desired a new indoor facility with features such as a 50 metre indoor pool, gymnasium, spa, sauna, café’, water play area.
"Some preliminary work has been undertaken in respect to options for heating and covering the pool. However a greater level of research would have to be undertaken prior to providing recommendations on the suitability of these options.
"There were also a number of people who indicated that there was no need for any changes to the provision of aquatic infrastructure in Traralgon. Ultimately, maintaining the status quo (outdoor pool only in Traralgon) is an option that Council may have to consider.
Cr White thanked the community for the manner in which the consultation and debate were conducted.
"We hope that we can continue to work with all of these people in moving forward with providing improved aquatic infrastructure for Traralgon," Cr White concluded.
Media Enquiries:
Media Relations Team
Telephone: 5128 5458 or 0407 862 977
Jacinta Kennedy, Manager Community Relations
Telephone: 5128 5421 or 0401 824 195
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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East Gippsland’s new Disability Network has attracted 33 expressions of interest, bringing together people with disability, carers, families and sector representatives to help shape Council decisions and improve accessibility. - Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
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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. - Free green waste disposal at South Gippsland transfer stations and other council updates
South Gippsland Shire Council’s latest updates cover free green waste disposal, road maintenance, summer fire preparation, community events, bird flu advice, swimming pool feedback, energy planning and local opportunities. - East Gippsland coastal management plan gains ministerial approval after extensive community consultation and collaboration across region
East Gippsland's Coastal and Marine Management Plan has received Ministerial Approval, recognising three years of community consultation and providing a shire-wide framework for sustainably managing coastal and marine environments. - Live and Loud at GPAC brings AFL Grand Final action, family fun and entertainment to Traralgon on 26 September 2026
Latrobe City Council will host Live and Loud at GPAC on September 26, featuring family activities, entertainment, a ticketed musical-acrobat performance and free live screening of the 2026 AFL Grand Final. - Maryvale Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers upgraded sporting facilities, accessibility and community infrastructure
Maryvale Recreation Reserve has undergone a $1.39 million redevelopment, delivering accessible cricket facilities, upgraded amenities, improved drainage, resurfacing and safety improvements through state government and Latrobe City Council funding. - Baw Baw Shire endorses revised Community Engagement Policy to strengthen participation and build trust in council decisions
Baw Baw Shire councillors have unanimously endorsed a revised Community Engagement Policy, aiming to strengthen community participation, ensure meaningful feedback and build greater trust in Council’s decision-making processes. - Maryvale Recreation Reserve completes $920,000 upgrade, enhancing accessibility, facilities, safety and recreation opportunities for the community
Maryvale Recreation Reserve has completed a $920,000 refurbishment, upgrading the Latrobe Cricket Club pavilion, Peter Siddle Oval, drainage, pathways and accessibility, as part of Latrobe City's broader $5 million program. - Gippsland commuters stranded after V/Line services end early, prompting calls for reliable regional rail services
Melina Bath criticised Gippsland rail disruptions after AFL fans were stranded following an early service cutoff, calling for reliable regional transport and promising 1,110 additional seats on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services. - New drinking fountains improve free water access across Sale's popular recreation facilities
Sale's major recreation facilities now offer improved free drinking water access, with new fountains at Aqua Energy, Port of Sale and Gippsland Regional Sports Complex, supporting hydration and reusable bottle use. - Heyfield childcare faces closure after losing federal funding, putting local families, educators and essential community services at risk
Heyfield's only childcare service faces closure after losing $270,000 in federal funding, prompting Darren Chester to seek urgent assistance while a Senate inquiry examines rural and regional child care access. - Sealers Cove boardwalk reopens after five years, boosting Wilsons Promontory tourism ahead of September school holidays
Sealers Cove boardwalk at Wilsons Promontory has reopened after almost five years, following storm damage in 2021. Danny O’Brien says the restored route will benefit walkers, visitors and local tourism operators. - Latrobe City endorses draft Moe Activity Centre Plan to guide future town centre growth and development
Latrobe City Council endorsed the draft Moe Activity Centre Plan for public exhibition, outlining long-term CBD growth, planning reforms, improved public spaces and transport, with Planning Scheme Amendment C155 exhibition proposed for late 2026. - New Lakes Entrance fire station prioritised ahead of 2026 state election
Council is urging the Victorian government to fund a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, replacing the 90-year-old facility to improve emergency response, safety, capacity and regional resilience. - Latrobe City completes major lighting upgrade across all 10 courts at Agnes Brereton Reserve, boosting netball opportunities
Latrobe City Council has upgraded all 10 courts at Agnes Brereton Reserve with 200-lux lighting, enabling extended evening use, expanded competitions and training for Traralgon Netball Association 1,400 annual participants. - The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses. - Mirboo North stadium funding still awaited after decade of community campaigning for modern sporting facility
Mirboo North continues seeking funding for a new stadium after more than a decade of campaigning. Danny O’Brien is urging the Education Minister to support redevelopment. - Latrobe City Children’s Expo offers free family fun, activities and community services at Kernot Hall in Morwell on 27 October 2026
Latrobe City Council will host a free Children’s Expo at Kernot Hall, Morwell, on October 27, featuring entertainment, activities, food vendors and community services for families. - Melbourne Symphony Orchestra returns to Sale after 17 years, bringing acclaimed performances and Australian premieres to The Wedge on 28 October 2026
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will return to Sale on October 28, performing at The Wedge for the first time since 2009, featuring Mozart classics and a world-premiere Australian concerto. - Cr John White recognised for 10 Years of dedicated service representing East Gippsland communities on council
East Gippsland Councillor John White has been recognised for 10 years of service, including two terms as Mayor, advocating for local priorities and representing communities across government levels. - Latrobe City encourages community conversations and support during Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026
Latrobe City Council will host free events from 24 to 31 October for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026, helping residents recognise gambling harm, explore support services and start conversations with family, friends and neighbours. - Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026. - 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. - Latrobe City pushes for fair community benefits, transparent water pricing and long-term investment as Yallourn Mine rehabilitation progresses
Latrobe City Council has urged fair community reinvestment, transparent water pricing and long-term funding certainty as EnergyAustralia seeks water entitlement for Yallourn Mine rehabilitation. - Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts. - Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities. - Bass Coast invites community feedback on new decade-long nature positive strategy for environmental protection and restoration until 15 October 2026
Bass Coast Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Nature Positive Strategy, guiding environmental protection, restoration and enhancement across the region over the next decade. - East Gippsland targets Canberra visitors in new Spring Tourism Campaign, destination marketing and supporting local businesses
East Gippsland Shire Council has launched a Canberra-focused spring tourism campaign, testing evidence-led marketing strategies while attracting shoulder-season visitors and supporting local businesses through targeted promotion. - Parliamentary inquiry reveals CFA resource shortfalls after years of Labor neglect, leaving Gippsland communities increasingly vulnerable
A Parliamentary inquiry has highlighted declining CFA volunteer numbers, ageing firefighting vehicles, workforce shortages and poor fuel management, prompting Nationals' Danny O'Brien to demand urgent action to protect Gippsland communities. - Nathan Kearsley and Jill Colson appointed as Baw Baw Shire new directors following recent organisational restructure
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Nathan Kearsley and Jill Colson as new directors following a restructure reducing its executive leadership team from five to three. - Latrobe Housing Summit explores collaborative solutions to meet growing regional housing demand and support future economic development
Latrobe City Council’s Housing Summit brought together government, industry and community leaders to address rising housing demand, improve affordability and develop solutions supporting regional growth, investment and population increases. - Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks. - Bass Coast offers free green waste disposal from 31 October to 22 November to help residents prepare for bushfire season
Bass Coast Shire Council will accept domestic green waste free at its four waste facilities from 31 October to 22 November 2026, helping residents reduce bushfire hazards before summer. - The Nationals criticise deteriorating Princes Highway as potholes raise safety concerns in Traralgon East
The Nationals have criticised the deteriorating Princes Highway at Traralgon East, citing 85 potholes between Traralgon and Rosedale and road damage less than 18 months after duplication.
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