INSIDE THIS EDITION…
CRICKET FINALS, PAGES 29 AND 31
22 MARCH - 4 APRIL, 2024
BELLARINE’S NUMBER ONE NEWSPAPER
FREE FORTNIGHTLY
12496495-NG24-21
One last burst of summer?
(Ivan Kemp) 396060_09
Could we have experienced the last of the very warm weather? Temperatures nudged about 30 degrees on the weekend and early this week before falling to the high teens on Wednesday in what was a bit of a shock to the system. It may well be last of the 30-plus degree weather until later in the year. Sophie Black took her sons Augie and Ziggy (pictured) to the beach at Barwon Heads on Tuesday before the cold front swept through. The Bureau of Meteorology’s forecast for the weekend is temperatures in the low 20s before reach the mid-20s on Monday and then back down again. We are soon into April, when traditionally there is less wind and calmer days on the Bellarine. ■ For more pictures, see page 24.
New pool set to close By Justin Flynn Drysdale’s recently opened aquatic centre faces closure for six months of the year because the City of Greater Geelong can’t afford to keep it open. The $15 million North Bellarine Aquatic Centre opened in November, but the heated outdoor 50 metre pool is set to close down at the end of the month and won’t reopen until November. Mayor Trent Sullivan said the centre was “originally intended to be opened year-round, and that’s our aim for the facility when budget allows”. “Like many in our community, we are facing
cost pressures that require difficult financial decisions, and we are currently looking at options for an extended opening while assessing the cost implications,” he said. Drysdale local Louise Skeen has started a petition to keep the aquatic centre open. “This means that our brand new local pool will be closed for more months than it’s open a decision that contradicts its original promise and restricts access to this vital community resource,” she said. “Regular swimming has been proven to have numerous health benefits including cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength enhancement and also improves social connection and mental well being. “By limiting access to this facility we are
potentially hindering our community’s health and well being.” Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker is campaigning for the aquatic centre to close at the end of April and reopen at the beginning of October, reducing the closure from seven to five months. “Many residents rely on the pool for recreation, rehabilitation, exercise, and social connection, particularly through the warmer months of the year,” Ms Coker said. “Right from the outset, my consistent message to council was the community wanted a pool that would be open and accessible on an ongoing basis. Unfortunately, my concerns and the concerns of the community regarding
year-round access have proven valid, as evidenced by the dissatisfaction expressed by residents.” Senator Sarah Henderson the “closure by stealth…represents a betrayal of our community”. “This wonderful 50-metre outdoor heated pool, funded by the former Coalition government in partnership with council, must remain open all year round as council committed to do,” she said. “With 24,000 visits since it opened last November, the aquatic centre has proved to be a dream come true and a wonderful asset for the health and wellbeing of our community. Bellarine residents deserve the right to access this facility all year round.”
16 Marine Parade, Ocean Grove
Ph: 5255 5611 All Major Brands - Wheel Alignment Wheel Balancing - Tyre Repairs 12525525-HC05-22
12558691-AI29-22
OUR SERVICES: NEW VEHICLE LOG BOOK SERVICING AUTO ELECTRICAL REPAIRS ALL MECHANICAL REPAIRS & SERVICING RACV BATTERY SALES AIR CONDITIONING REGAS, SERVICING & REPAIRS LPG REPAIRS & SERVICING CLUTCH & BRAKE REPAIR