Council will continue to undertake traffic studies to assess the existing movement, flow and volume of traffic around the precinct to better understand the current traffic issues and identify solutions. Council will advocate to State government to assist with improving the top end of Point Cook Road, as well as duplication of Central Avenue.

The proposed increase in carparking, both in the southern section of the reserve and the pavilion carparks has been designed to accommodate the expected Aquatic and Early Years patronage. Any increase in patronage from the pool will be accommodated in an extended Central Ave carpark.

Council will be addressing this. We understand that residents are currently experiencing issues undertaking right hand turns onto Central Avenue. Traffic studies will look holistically at all the issues within the precinct to come up with the best traffic solution for the residents of Altona Meadows as well as the developments at Bruce Comben Reserve.

Consideration to improve pedestrian access over Central Avenue will be a key part of the development of an access strategy to a new facility in Bruce Comben Reserve. Traffic studies will consider access to the site for all modes and look to address existing safety issues facing pedestrians in the area.

The Hobsons Bay Aquatic Strategy considered the population catchment required for it to be financially viable. A population catchment of 100,000 living within five kilometres of a facility is required.

The population catchment living within 5km of Bruce Comben Reserve is 57,000 people which will grow to 70,000 in 2036 therefore, a 50m pool is not supported.

The provision of a 50m pool and the need for additional infrastructure to support it, also comes with at a significant cost which will also add an additional financial burden on Council and ratepayers.

The Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre will remain operational until a new facility at Bruce Comben Reserve is constructed. Funding advocacy efforts will continue along with the design process to ensure the facility becomes shovel ready for future consideration.

An upgrade to the southern section of Bruce Comben Reserve including a new playspace, new path network, landscaping and trees is the only stage of the Bruce Comben Reserve Master Plan with a confirmed capital works funding allocation. The remaining stages, including the construction of the junior oval and fenced dog off leash area, the Western Aquatic and Early Years Centre and subsequent realignment of the ovals to accommodate it, is dependent on funding.

The Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre is deteriorating and has been subject to a number of building investigations over recent years. In 2017, in addition to urgent works required, a package of works totalling $3.8M were identified to just keep the building operational for the next ten years. Before committing significant funds of this nature, Council supported the development of an Aquatic Strategy to identify the centre’s role in future aquatic provision throughout the municipality.

As per the Aquatic Strategy, the Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre will remain operational until a new facility opens at Bruce Comben Reserve. Minor maintenance works will continue to be undertaken to ensure the facility continues to operate, however any commitment of more significant expenditure will be allocated towards the implementation of upgrades proposed in the McCormack Park Master Plan.

The McCormack Park Master Plan shows a future vision for the reserve that will be achieved through a staged upgrade. Click here to view the project page for McCormack Park.

An early year’s facility designed to accommodate three- and four-year-old kindergarten and maternal and child health services will be incorporated into the design of the new aquatic and early years facility. This will be a new building located on the current site of the existing kindergarten building. Occasional care services will also be considered as part of the site to accommodate visitors to the pool and gym.

Legislation and Council policy govern the appropriate tender process when a lease or license expires. An assessment will be undertaken, as with all existing leases and licence arrangements, to determine fair and equitable process once the development is close to completion.

Yes, we do need $60M to construct the new facility and move the associated infrastructure on Bruce Comben Reserve to facilitate its construction. We are seeking an equal three-way partnership between all three levels of government to achieve this goal.

We have been collecting names from residents who are willing to assist in advocating all levels of government for funds to achieve our goal. You can add your name to this list by clicking here.

We will be commencing our public advocacy campaign prior to the State Government election. So get on board now and assist us in campaigning for this important piece of infrastructure.

Council is encouraged to provide shovel ready projects for state and federal governments to provide funding for construction. Construction projects are seen as generating income and jobs in local communities and are quick wins for these levels of government to provide funding for and promote.

By indicating that we are advocating for funding and the amount we require, not only are we being transparent with our community, but these two levels of government can see the process undertaken to develop the project and are aware of what Council is seeking to develop and enhance our local communities.

A soil analysis has been undertaken throughout the reserve and there are varying levels of contamination across the entire site. As we progress, soil contamination management plans will be undertaken for each stage of the works in accordance with WorkSafe guidelines, and any soil contamination will be managed according to these plans.

The removal of any contaminated soils will be undertaken by an approved contamination removal company under permit from WorkSafe, and an independent hygienist will be employed by Council to undertake air monitoring to ensure that during the removal of contaminated soils there is no risk to the local community. This extra step is standard practice at Hobsons Bay and exceeds the requirement by WorkSafe for the removal of contaminated soils.