The City of Greater Bendigo has welcomed $4.885 million in funding from the Australian Government towards the new $31 million Greater Bendigo Indoor Aquatic Leisure and Wellbeing Centre.
Greater Bendigo Mayor Councillor Rod Fyffe said the announcement is fantastic news for what is the largest project ever undertaken by the City.
“It’s great to have all levels of government supporting this important project for the wider Greater Bendigo region and it shows just what can be achieved when we partner together.”
He said the new indoor complex is the highest priority project on the Loddon Mallee South Region Growth Plan, which forecasts the region will grow by 72,000 by 2031.
“It will also fulfil a major objective of the City of Greater Bendigo’s 2010 Aquatic Facilities Strategy which recommended that a new aquatic centre be built in Kangaroo Flat to serve the local community
and the wider region.
“Council’s vision is for Greater Bendigo to be Australia’s most liveable regional city and we are dedicated to providing facilities that will help improve the health and wellbeing of residents.
“The City’s 2014 Active Living Census found that aquatics is the second most popular physical activity for residents and when completed the new centre will provide year round access for people of all ages and abilities.
“It’s important to have facilities to serve our growing population and it’s also important to have infrastructure in place that will attract major sporting events to our region.
Cr Fyffe said that both the Federal and State Governments were providing funding for the important project, which is of regional significance.