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For those who haven’t heard, the Aldinga Bay Aquatic Centre Action Group, who have been advocating for a comprehensive aquatic centre to meet the needs of local residents, have just received the official State Government Feasibility Study on their proposal – and it’s all good news!
Here’s the letter the Action Group has just sent out to their supporters:
Dear Aquatic Campaign follower
We are writing to you because you are on the mailing list for the campaign for aquatic facilities at Aldinga. If you would like to be removed from the list, please let us know.
SOME GOOD NEWS
Our group has received a final copy of the Aquatic Aldinga Bay Aquatic Centre Feasibility and Business Case Report (June 2024). Copies were also sent to Leon Bignell MP for Mawson and Mayor Moira Were, City of Onkaparinga.
BACKGROUND
The study was an election promise by both major parties in 2022.
It followed letters of support and advocacy by our group on behalf of the community in 2021.
A petition was read in State Parliament in November 2022.
805 residents and community organisations completed an online survey as part of the study in December 2023. Thank you to those of you who did. It was a record number of responses.
KEY FINDINGS
With over 37,000 living within 10 km of Aldinga, and 46,302 by 2041, there is sufficient population to support an aquatic facility.
The community consultation survey received 805 responses and 97% of local respondents support the development. The most popular component was a 25-metre pool, for laps and water-based fitness activities.
The report suggested the facility be planned at the ‘Neighbourhood’ level, potentially including ‘District’-level amenities to accommodate the expected population growth. The design should allow for a future 50m outdoor pool when demand/population supports this.
THE SITE
Three sites within Aldinga were identified and the Renewal SA Land known as ‘the green triangle’ on the corner of Bowering Hill Road and Port Road, west of the proposed rail corridor, was assessed and rated the most suitable.
TWO CONCEPT DESIGNS were developed.
Option 1 incorporates a 25m X 8 lane indoor pool, zero depth/leisure water & splash pad, learn to swim pool, warm water pool, space for an outdoor 50m pool, creche, gym, foyer, café.
This option has a specific separate warm water pool, and allows for future population growth i.e .similar to Fleurieu Regional Aquatic and the new Mt Barker Summit Aquatic.
Option 2 is smaller, incorporates the above functions; however, there is a combined zero depth/splash pad and learn to swim/warm water pool. This option is based on the existing population, and incorporates functions within two water bodies.
Any future plans for aquatic facilities at Aldinga and Noarlunga need to manage potential duplication of facilities. Our group does not support Noarlunga remaining the only aquatic facility in the south, based on capacity and travel distance.
Financial and management modelling is reported and requires further development to ensure the facility’s viability and sustainability, and further community consultation will inform the specific features desired in the new centre.
In response to the Report, the State Government noted that without both capital and ongoing annual funding, it is currently not feasible to build an aquatic facility at Aldinga; furthermore, that the majority of neighbourhood and district facilities are the responsibility of local government, and the Minister encourages us to continue to work with Council.
THE RECOMMENDED SITE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT OUTCOME FOR NOW. SECURING LAND IS THE FIRST STEP.
The Office of Sport and Recreation has written to Renewal SA requesting consideration of future aquatic centre opportunities in the Aldinga catchment, including the ‘green triangle’.
We will take a deputation to Council, and request the Mayor also write to Renewal SA, advocating for the land in the green triangle to be set aside for ‘sport and recreation’ that could include a future aquatic centre.
Updates are posted on the facebook page ‘Aquatic Centre Aldinga Bay Action Group’. Please ‘like’ and follow our page.
Thank you for your patience and ongoing support for our campaign. Please tell your friends and neighbours, and stay tuned for more news on progress, and get in touch if you would like to discuss further.
We will write again when we have more news, and about the Council deputation.
Regards and thanks again
Tracey Atkinson Aldinga Beach
Anne Cross Port Willunga
Karen Lever Sellicks Beach.
Aquatic Centre Aldinga Bay Action Group
Phone 0408 611 574
PO Box 1254
Aldinga Beach 5173
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