Geelong mum’s fight to keep Kardinia pool open year-round

The City of Greater Geelong announced it was considering closing the popular facility throughout the winter months as part of cost-saving measures announced in the 2023 draft budget.

But a community petition launched on change.org this week exploring the council to keep the pool open has amassed more than 1060 signatures.

The pool operated seasonally until 2020, when it became year-round, which it has remained.

Resident Lucy Fahey, who started the petition, said having the pool open throughout the winter months was important to the health of the community.

“It’s a well-used facility that’s important to the community here,” she said.

“Closing it for half the year would have a detrimental effect on the health and wellbeing of people around Geelong and on the Bellarine Peninsula.”

With Waterworld in Norlane closed for renovations through June, and Leisurelink Waurn Ponds set up as two 25m pools, the Kardinia facility is the only 50m pool open for winter.

Ms Fahey said the year-round nature of the pool had helped her foster friendships and regain a sense-of-self as a new mum.

“Swimming was the only form of exercise I could do late in my pregnancy and after the birth of my child I was counting down the days until the doctor let me go back,” she said.

“My first swim back at the Kardinia pool was an emotional experience for me, I was injured from the birth and it felt like a return to self.”

The City of Greater Geelong’s community service delivery director Robyn Stevens said the council was making “difficult budget decisions” after being faced with “rapidly rising costs”.

“Based on attendance numbers and the facility’s running costs, ratepayers are subsidising each swim at Kardinia Aquatic Centre during winter by $22.50,” she said.

“Kardinia Aquatic Centre operated as a seasonal facility until the COVID pandemic, when the Council allocated extra funding to open it during winter due to capacity restrictions at our indoor pools.”

The draft budget is open for submissions on the council website until May 24.