FAQs
- Review the 2015 strategy to assess what has worked and what needs updating.
- Respond to current and future community needs.
- Align with the Council Plan and broader sports facility planning priorities.
- Support informed, sustainable investment decisions.
- Current aquatic community needs and perspectives.
- Area growth and projected populations.
- Current condition of existing facilities.
- Current costs to run and maintain Council’s recreation facilities
- Forecast costs for Council to run and maintain Council’s recreation facilities over the next 10 years.
- Opportunities for infrastructure renewal, service improvement, and strategic investment.
- A peer review of the 2015 strategy to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness.
- Aligning the new strategy with the Council Plan and Council's sports facility planning priorities.
- The current condition of existing facilities.
- Operational and maintenance costs.
- Projected costs over the next 10 years.
- Opportunities for infrastructure renewal, upgrades and investment.
- Opportunities for community feedback.
- Engagement activities led by specialist consultants.
- A project reference group representing community members, user groups and stakeholders.
- Background research and facility assessment.
- Community engagement and consultation.
- Analysis and draft strategy development.
- Council’s website
- Council’;s social media and local media
- Engagement activities and project updates
- Your Say page
What is the East Gippsland Aquatic Strategy?
This strategy will guide how we manage, enhance, and envision aquatic facilities across East Gippsland, shaping a future where residents can enjoy high quality aquatic services that meet their interests and needs.
It will guide future planning and investment in aquatic facilities, help inform how Council prioritises upgrades and improvements, support funding applications and advocacy, and provide a long-term strategic direction for aquatic services in East Gippsland
Why is Council developing a new aquatic strategy?
The previous aquatic strategy was developed in 2015. Since then, community needs, facility conditions, population profiles and costs have changed.
The new strategy will:
What will the strategy consider?
What facilities are included in the strategy?
The strategy will consider all Council‑owned and/or Council‑supported aquatic facilities across East Gippsland, including both indoor and outdoor pools.
This ensures a comprehensive approach that considers the role each facility plays in meeting community needs, responding to climate, seasonal use, local populations, and visitor demand.
Will the strategy identify costs for upgrades and improvements?
Yes. The strategy will consider:
While the strategy will not finalise construction budgets, it will provide high‑level cost guidance, priorities and options to support future Council decision‑making.
Does this mean upgrades or new pools will definitely be built?
The strategy will assess the need, feasibility, affordability and sustainability of potential upgrades or new facilities. Any future decisions will depend on Council priorities, funding availability, and further planning processes.
The strategy provides a clear evidence‑based framework, not automatic approvals.
How will the community be involved?
Community involvement is a key part of developing the strategy. Engagement will include:
Council is committed to keeping the community informed and providing meaningful opportunities to contribute.
What is the Project Reference Group?
The Project Reference Group is made up of community members, key stakeholders and aquatic facility user groups.
The group will help guide the development of the strategy, provide local insight, and ensure community perspectives are considered throughout the process.
Who is leading the development of the strategy?
Council has appointed @leisure Planners, an experienced sport, leisure and open space consultancy with specialist expertise in aquatic facility planning and community engagement.
They are supporting Council with research, engagement, analysis and strategy development.
How can I provide feedback or ask questions?
Engagement enquiries can be directed to @leisure Planners via email: info@atleisure.com.au
(Please include “East Gippsland Aquatic Strategy” in the subject line)
Additional feedback opportunities will be promoted as the project progresses.
What are the timeframes for the strategy?
The strategy is currently under development. Key stages include:
Final strategy preparation and Council consideration with the strategy expected to be considered for adopted by Council in April 2027.
Where can I stay updated on the project?
Updates will be provided through:
Information about community engagement opportunities will be shared as they become available.
Can the community see the final strategy?
Once finalised, the draft strategy will be available for public feedback. When endorsed by Council, the final strategy will also be publicly available.