CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Ms COKER (Corangamite) (16:46): For decades, people across Torquay and the Surf Coast in my electorate of Corangamite have dreamt about an aquatic and recreation centre that would meet the needs of a growing community. Today that dream is about to become a reality. Construction of the Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre is now at a significant milestone, with all three indoor pools—a 25-metre pool, a learn-to-swim pool and a warm water pool—now fully tiled.

At 75 per cent complete, we remain on track to open the doors of this amazing facility next year. This achievement is about much more than bricks, tiles and concrete. It is accumulation of generations of community advocacy.

The campaign for a pool in Torquay stretches back to the 1950s and 60s, when local groups first began lobbying for swimming facilities. In the decades that followed, there were communities working on committees, feasibility studies, public meetings, petitions and consultations. Again and again, local people made the case that their growing communities deserved a facility where people could learn to swim, stay safe in the water, rehabilitate from injury, improve their health and wellbeing and come together.

The game changer came when the Surf Coast Shire councillors voted to reserve land for a pool right in the heart of Torquay's civic precinct. As a councillor at the time, this was a pivotal moment led by former councillors Deane Webster and Rose Hodge. It was the catalyst to significant federal and state funding.

That funding will soon deliver a 25-metre pool, gymnasium, warm water pool for rehab, learn to swim, allied health suites, sauna and spa and a splash park. This investment matters. It will leave a lasting legacy for rapidly growing townships like Torquay, Armstrong Creek, Grovedale and many coastal communities, and, when the doors open in 2027, families will swim in these pools, children will learn vital water safety skills, older residents will participate in warm water exercise programs and community members of all ages and abilities will enjoy the benefits of a modern recreation facility.

Few in the community may know the full history of how this project came to be, but they will be the beneficiaries. I thank all those who spent decades advocating for this centre, and I look forward to seeing the Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre open its doors and serve the Surf Coast community for many generations to come.