Review of Timing of the Proposed Bacchus Marsh Indoor Aquatic Centre

DRAFT MARCH 2018

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Table of Contents

!© All rights reserved. !No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, by any means, without the prior written permission of Moorabool Shire Council and @leisure!

1. The Project Purpose 3

2. Executive Summary and Recommendations 4 3. Background and Context 5 4. Forecast Population Growth Areas and Demographic Influences 6 5. Council’s Current Provision Standards 8 6. Proposed Aquatic Facilities in Moorabool and Neighbouring Municipalities 9 7. Existing Aquatic Facilities in Moorabool and Neighbouring Municipalities 10

8. Map: Aquatic Facilities in Moorabool and Neighbouring Municipalities 11!9. Existing Indoor Aquatic Facilities Within 30 Minutes Drive 13!10.Colocation Opportunities and Timing of Development 14!11. Timing !12. Benchmarking, Operating and Capital Costs 16!

13. Funding Opportunities 17!14. Typical Sources of Funds for Aquatic Projects 18!15. Appendices 19! Appendix 1 Site Review 20!

Acknowledgements @leisure would like to acknowledge the support and assistance provided by: •  Staff from Moorabool Shire Council. •  Bacchus Marsh Community Consortium.

Indoor Aquatic Centre Timing The Council Plan 2017-2021 identifies an action item within the strategic objective of ‘Improving Social Outcomes’ under ‘Health and Wellbeing’ to review the feasibility of the timing of the proposed Bacchus Marsh Indoor Aquatic Centre along with a feasibility for the construction and location of splash parks in 2017-18. !

Concurrently, a feasibility study into the future needs and provision of indoor sports facilities was also undertaken.!These studies provide Council with a comprehensive strategic approach for decision making on future facility provision and ensure that facilities remain viable and meet community needs into the future.

The report reviews the timing of the proposed Bacchus Marsh Indoor Aquatic Centre. Timeframes are established around:

•  Population growth and triggers •  Catchment area

•  Community infrastructure planning principles •  Industry benchmarking

•  External funding opportunities •  Cost implications

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1. The Project Purpose

2. Executive Summary and Recommendations

Recommendations"

1.  Plan to colocate a future Indoor Sports Facility with any future Indoor Aquatic Facilities at the recently purchased Taverner St site in Maddingley.

2.  Stage the development of courts and indoor aquatic facilities as follows: Indoor courts and a multipurpose room in stage 1. and aquatic facilities, commencing with a program pool, followed by 25m pool and any other recreational components in a second or third stage.

3.  Commence planning for an indoor aquatic centre from 2028 when the population is more able to support such a facility.

 

Summary A review of the projected population growth for the Shire of Moorabool indicates that growth has continued at a similar rate as shown in the 2013 Aquatic Feasibility Report. The forecast for Moorabool’s population was 36,659 by 2021. Forecast ID currently predict a similar figure of 36,456.

The population trigger point for the provision of an indoor aquatic facility as described by Council planning documents of a minimum 40,000 people is likely to be reached around 2028 and a population of 50,000, that would best support a indoor aquatic centre, is likely to be reached by 2038. Based on those figures, the timing for a complete Indoor Aquatic facility would not be bought forward earlier than 2028.

There are significant participation benefits of providing indoor aquatics facilities including social, economic and health benefits. These need to be considered in addition to the costs of provision. Building sooner brings forward all the social and health benefits associated with swimming to a growing a population. However, it is not within Council's capital and operating budget to fund the construction and operation of the proposed Indoor Aquatic Centre inside the next 10 years.

The recently purchased Taverner St site in Maddingley has been assessed as the preferred site for a indoor sport facility and this is of sufficient size to accommodate a future aquatic centre with room for future expansion.

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Significant capital and operational cost savings can be made by colocating indoor sports and aquatic facilities which reduce the financial commitment from Council.

In the long term, it will be more cost effective to colocate all aquatic facilities in the same town at the same site. Therefore at the end of the functional life of the outdoor pools, colocation should be considered.

Although the capital cost could be staged, waiting a further 10 years to develop an aquatic centre will see the capital cost continue to grow faster than the population. Also the Building Price Index is currently 4%.

A number of potential funding sources have been identified, which can target those designed to support social, economic and health benefits. The possibility of working with local community groups should be considered in order to target a greater range of funding sources than Council can access.

Previous Planning Work In December 2012, plans for an Indoor Aquatic and Leisure Centre were prepared for Council for endorsement prior to commencing community engagement and submitting for Federal funding.

The probable capital cost ranged between $12.18m (Stage 1) and $19.8m (Stage 2) with a lower operational cost expected for the Stage 2 option than for Stage 1.

In 2013, financial models for two stages of the Indoor Aquatic Centre were provided for Council to consider. The two stages include the following components:

STAGE 1 • Indoor 25 metre x 8 lane pool • Program pool / learn to swim – 80.5m2

• Male, female and accessible change rooms • Café • Front of house/reception • Administration area STAGE 2 • 540m2 gym • 200m2 – multi purpose group fitness room • 150m2 crèche/ multi purpose room. • 61.5m2 spin room • Male/ female/ accessible change rooms • Expanded café

In August 2013, the Federal government offered $7 million towards the aquatic centre as an election promise and an application was made to the State’s Better Pools funding. However only projects with existing contracts were funded by the incoming Liberal government. The project was then put on hold by the Council.

In 2014, the Bacchus Marsh Community Consortium documented a proposal for a multi purpose aquatic and community sports centre to be built on vacant land on the corner of Fisken and Taverner Street, Maddingley. A concept was produced by the Facility Design Group to complete the facility in three stages. Stage 1 included a indoor 25m pool, Stage 2 included a four court sports hall and Stage 3, a community service centre. Capital cost was estimated at $26.5 million including the land purchase. Council have since purchased the site.

In 2017, Council commissioned this review of the timing for a Indoor Aquatic Centre and a feasibility assessment of an Indoor Sports Facility and the provision of splash parks.

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3. Background and context

4. Forecast population, growth areas and demographic influences Population

Total population, projected growth and likely density have a considerable bearing on the use of sporting facilities and the types of facilities required.

A significant increase in population will increase demand for sports and aquatic facilities, particularly in areas experiencing growth such as Bacchus Marsh and surrounds (which includes Bacchus Marsh, Darley, Maddingley, and Hopetoun Park).

Moorabool’s population characteristics show that the development of an Indoor Aquatic Centre would be supported by its growing population, including growth in the older age groups that may not be catered for by other sports developments.

Moorabool’s population in 2018 was estimated as 34,000 by Forecast ID. This is projected to increase to to some 50,000 by 2038. Over 55% of growth will be concentrated in Bacchus Marsh and surrounds.

Several surrounding growth areas are: •  Merrimu Residential Growth Precinct •  Parwan Station Residential and Commercial

Precinct •  Hopetoun Park North Residential Expansion Area 1

Table 1: Growth areas in Bacchus Marsh and potential population at build out

The projected population for Bacchus Marsh suggests that for all age groups, there will be population growth.

The most significant growth in age groups by 2041 will be the 35-39 (6.8%), 40-44 (7.0%) and 45-49 (6.8%) groups or collectively 3,838 to 8,213 people) and the 5-9 (6.7%) and 10-14 (6.8%) or 2,688 to 4,140 people. The number of residents over 60 years of age in Bacchus Marsh will more than double over the next 23 years (3,598 to 7,243).

These numbers suggests that there will be strong growth from adults in family households and their children, as well as the ageing-in-place of older residents.

The fact that the younger age groups are growing shows a different pattern to typical rural and regional areas which struggle to retain young adults who leave for the bigger regional and metropolitan centres.

3. Forecast ID

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An indication of population size and time frame for these development area is shown below. These however will be subject to further planning. !!1 Bacchus Marsh Urban Growth Framework – Community Engagement Feb 2017!

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Growth Area Possible Population at Build Out

Possible Time Frame

Hopetoun Park 3,000 5 years

Parwan Station 7,000 15+ years

Merrimu 15,000 30-40 years

According to Victoria in Future 2016 DEWLP, the metropolitan LGAs with the largest and fastest population growth to 2031 are as follows. Moorabool is the second fastest growing regional LGA hence the urgency to bring aquatic facilities on line as soon an possible. !

Influences On Recreation Participation The key demographic influences on leisure and participation in sport and physical fitness are age, gender, income, education, cultural background and location. Generally speaking, people that are less likely to participate in swimming, or sport or physical activity are those:!

•  Over 65 years of age!

•  Born overseas in non-English speaking countries!

•  With low incomes and levels of education and/or those who are unemployed, or have a disability.1!

The demographic profile of Moorabool points to: !

•  Strong and increasing participation in sporting activities due to the population increase, in both families with children and older adults for who swimming is an important activity !

•  The low number of people born overseas in non-English speaking countries!

•  The higher than average number of people with a qualification !

1 https://www.clearinghouseforsport.gov.au/knowledge_base/sport_participation/community_participation/sport_participation_in_australia!

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Forecast population, growth areas and demographic influences (Cont’d)

Participation rates in swimming are reported as higher than any other sport or physical activity. Roy Morgan suggests some 6 million Australians have swum in the last three months. !

Participation in organised swimming in Australia is highest in the 0-4 year (30%) and it decreases with age. The 4-8 year old age group has the second highest participation rate. For people over 15 years, the age group with the highest participation in swimming is 35-44 year (9.9%). The next highest 55-64 years (8.6%).4!

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Community Infrastructure Framework Council’s Community Infrastructure Planning Framework outlines Provision Standards and Travel Accessibility Standards for indoor and outdoor swimming pools.!

Moorabool Council currently operate two outdoor seasonal pools, in Grant St, Bacchus Marsh and Mill Park Road Ballan. There is also a hydrotherapy pool in Ballan operated by Ballan District Health Care, which is open to the public.!

Swimming Pool - Indoor!The provision standards outline a population of 50,000 could support an indoor pool with 40,000 considered the minimum viable population. !Swimming Pool - Outdoor!

Provision standards outline that the existing outdoor pools have substantial capacity to accommodate more public use. !The Bacchus Marsh Outdoor Pool provides for the population in the east of the Shire and is deemed to have sufficient capacity to service an additional population of 10,000 people, while the Ballan Outdoor Pool services the west of the Shire.!!

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5. Council’s Current Provision Standards

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Whilst it is acknowledged that these standards relate to the high cost of aquatic facilities, consideration may, however, need to be given to the very high public benefits related to aquatic participation. These benefits include social, health, safety and recreation aspects of aquatic facilities, the high potential participation rates in aquatic activities, the appeal of swimming pools across a very wide range of age groups, and the high demand for aquatic facilities other than the typical 25m/50m 6-8 lane pool provided in previous decades. !

The Economic Benefits of Australia's Public Aquatic Facilities Report in 2017 noted the significant economic and health benefits associated with swimming. !

Every aquatic facility visit creates economic benefits worth an average of $26.39 in addition to the leisure value gained by users. 5!!

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!5 The Economic Benefits of Australia's Public Aquatic Facilities. Industry Report. RLSS. 2017 !

6. Proposed Aquatic Facilities in Neighbouring Municipalities

Following table shows a list of known proposed indoor aquatic centre developments in various stages of planning. The locations listed are unlikely to impact on The Bacchus Marsh catchment as they are more than 20 minutes drive from Bacchus Marsh. The proposed venues are a mix of school, Council and private learn to swim aquatic facilities. What is notable is the growth in private swim schools in the City of Wyndham that have developed to meet the demand of young families and their desire for swimming lessons

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The existing and proposed aquatic facilities in neighboring municipalities are shown on the following map (page 11).!

Proposed Aquatic Facility Suburb

Westbourne Grammar Sports and Aquatic Centre Truganina

YMCA Point Cook (Kingsswim) Point Cook

Plumpton – City of Melton Plumpton

Jump Swim School Werribee Werribee

Jump Swim School Tarneit Tarneit

Paddles Swim School – Point Cook Point Cook

Werribee Islamic Centre Mosque & Multipurpose Complex Tarneit

YMCA Point Cook (Tarneit) Tarneit

Saratoga (Future Site) Point Cook

Club Jubilee Wyndhamvale

Proposed Wyndham Council Aquatic Centre Tarneit

Springside Caroline Springs

Table 2: Known proposed aquatic facilities within neighbouring municipalities

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Existing Aquatic Facility Suburb Existing Aquatic Facility

Suburb

Existing Aquatic Facility

Suburb

Bacchus Marsh Outdoor Pool Bacchus Marsh Aqua Pulse Hoppers Crossing Jump Swim School Point Cook Point Cook

Ballan Outdoor Pool Ballan Werribee Outdoor Pool Werribee Paul Sadler Melton Melton

Ballan District Health Care Ballan Bayfit Leisure Centre Altona Kingswim Derrimut Derrimut

Swim Stars Swim School Hoppers Crossing Melton Waves Melton Paul Sadler Bacchus Marsh Bacchus Marsh

Werribee Swim Centre Werribee Leisurelink Grovedale Shapland Swim School Hoppers Crossing

Shawn’s Swim School Hoppers Crossing Splashdown Moolap Kingswim Burnside Heights

Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre Laverton Waterworld Norlane Clunes Public School Clunes

Paul Sadler Swimland Hoppers Crossing Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre Ocean Grove Daylesford Public Pool Daylesford

Paul Sadler Swimland Laverton Kardinia Swimming Centre South Geelong Trentham Public Pool Trentham

Peak Performance Swimming Werribee Lara Outdoor Pool Lara Calembeen Toddlers Pool Creswick

Paddles Swim School Altona Meadows Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre Maribyrnong Brown Hill Aquatic Centre Brown Hill

Sweeney’s Swim School Altona St Albans Leisure Centre St Albans Black Hill Aquatic Centre Black Hill

Gisbourne Aquatic Centre Gisborne Sunshine Leisure Centre Sunshine Ballarat Aquatic Centre Ballarat

Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre

Kyneton Genesis Fitness Club Melton Brookfield Buninyong Aquatic Centre Buninyong

Lancefield Memorial Swimming Pool Lancefield Macedon New Gisborne Swim Centre New Gisborne

Woodend Swimming Pool Woodend Gisborne South Swimming Centre Gisborne South

Table 3: Existing aquatic facilities within the Moorabool Shire and neighbouring municipalities

7. Existing Aquatic Facilities in Moorabool and Neighbouring Municipalities The following table shows a list of existing aquatic facilities within Moorabool and neighbouring municipalities.

8. Map: Current and Proposed Aquatic Facilities in Moorabool and Neighbouring Municipalities

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9. Existing Indoor Aquatic Facilities Within 30 Minutes Drive

The following map shows a list of existing indoor aquatic facilities within Moorabool and neighbouring municipalities within a 30 minute drive of of the Taverner St site in Maddingley. ‘Drive times’ may vary depending on the activity undertaken at the aquatic centre and the frequency with which they are undertaken. For example a family may travel further for a day out at a indoor aquatic play facility, than a lap swimmer who swims daily for fitness.

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Map: Existing aquatic indoor facilities within the Moorabool Shire and neighbouring municipalities within a 30 minute drive of the Taverner St site in Maddingley.

Existing Indoor Aquatic Facilities Within 30 Minutes Drive

Drive time from Taverner Street site10 minutes

20 minutes

30 minutes

Indoor aquatic centres / pools

forecast.id small areas

10. Colocation opportunities and timing of development

Colocation and cost savings The ongoing operating costs associated with an Indoor Aquatic Facility need to be considered as part of Council’s 10-year Strategic Financial planning process. Council’s capacity to fund the operational costs over a prolonged period, and the impact this will have on the overall Council budget, require careful consideration.

It is imperative that such a facility is economically viable for Council and able to generate the participation and revenue levels required to contain Council costs and sustain operation of the centre into the future. Hence, it will be important for Council to stage the building development and colocate facilities to reduce the build cost, enhance participation and reduce ongoing costs of operation.

The planning of an aquatic facility, splash park and an indoor court facility at the same time provides an opportunity to integrate these components. This opportunity needs to be considered in the site selection process.

If facilities are not duplicated, reductions in the probable capital costs by colocating may include: •  Car parking $550,000 •  Change rooms/toilets $1,056,000 •  Administration/Reception $201,600 •  Café/Foyer $495,000

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Savings in site management and staffing can be significant given that facilities may operate between 80 - 95 hours per week when fully programmed. Duplication of reception, duty staff, cleaning and administration across multiple sites can be avoided when components are colocated.!Performance indicators from CERM 2014 indicate that the average annual marketing spend per centre is approximately $33,000.!Energy costs average $227,900 per centre and presentation costs average $160,350 per centre.!Further commentary on benchmarked costs is provided in a following chapter.! The Indoor Recreation Facilities Feasibility Study 2018 Draft, currently in preparation, assessed ten potential sites that could accommodate four indoor courts, an indoor aquatic facility and health and fitness components. Four of the most suitable sites were assessed in more detail with a view to accommodating a variety of components and have the ability to expand in the long term. The recently acquired land at Taverner Street, Maddingley and Council owned Mason Lane Recreation Reserve, Bacchus Marsh, were assessed as large enough to accommodate the current required components with room for future expansion. The ranking exercise that was applied had Taverner Street as the most suitable site for a multi purpose sports and aquatic facility.

The following diagram presents several scenarios for the timing and colocation of facility components and therefore several site options.

Methods used to determine site options!!Step 1. A list of evaluation criteria was identified to ensure the site meet the criteria of locating a fit for purpose indoor aquatic/ court sports facility. !Step 2. A short list of sites was determined with staff to evaluate against the site selection criteria.!Step 3. Using a paired comparison technique each criteria is compared against each other, to determine the relative importance of each. !Step 4. The comparison of each criterion is determined as a frequency which summed and divided by the total frequency to achieve the weighting for each criterion. !Step 5. Each site option is evaluated against the site selection criteria to provide a score for how well the option meets the criteria, and this is multiplied against the weighting to arrive at a weighted score !Step 6. The weighted scores for each site option are summed determine a total for each option, and this provides a ranking of the sites. The site with the highest score indicates which option best meets all criteria. !Step 7. The final step is to identify other advantages and disadvantage of each site and this takes onto account other added value and costs for example. !

Population

Location Timeline

Grant Street Bacchus Marsh

Taverner Street Bacchus Marsh

Ballan Pool

34,030 41,911 50,600Now - 2018 2019 - 2028 2029 - 2038

OR

OR OR

Colocation Options and Timing and Nature of Developments (Cont’d) !

Renew/ replace !

OR

First stage 2 courts !

Consider Integrating aquatics to one site in

long term !

Second stage add two courts !

Full 4 courts plus aquatics and gym !

Potential to relocate outdoor

aquatics off Grant Street at

end of life !

Add splash park to outdoor aquatics!

Add splash park to outdoor aquatics!

Outdoor Pool! Indoor Pool! Splash Park! Indoor Courts! Gym/Fitness!

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11. Timing

The following table illustrates the population forecasts in a previous aquatic study from 2009. !!Table 5: Population forecasts from SGL’s 2009 aquatic study!

The population within the Shire of Moorabool is continuing to grow as described earlier, however from the data assessed, it is not growing any faster than originally forecast in the previous aquatic study in 2013.

If Council consider the minimum trigger point for a Indoor Aquatic facility is 40,000 people then it is expected that the number will be reached around 2028.

However, the risks for Council by waiting a further 10 years is that the capital cost of such a facility continues to rise at a rate greater than CPI. The Building Price Index of 4% is approximately double that of the CPI.

A second risk is that private operators enter the market and fill the demand for activities such as swimming lessons, group exercise and health clubs. In Council owned facilities, these programs often help subsidise activities such as hydrotherapy/ rehabilitation, lap swimming and child minding.

The population forecasts and findings from the indoor facility feasibility recommend the planning for indoor courts commence now and therefore there are benefit of bringing forward the timeline for the first stage of an Indoor Aquatic facility. This would in some way mitigate the two risks.

The operational deficit for a stand alone aquatic centre would be further reduced due to the efficiencies of joint management with an indoor courts sports centre.

A staged development of aquatic facilities could also be considered, commencing with a warm water program pool as a first stage, followed by a 25m lap pool.

There is already demand for swimming lessons and a rapidly growing market for hydrotherapy services. This could be a cost effective first stage as amenities required for the indoor centre would already be available.

The first stage of an aquatic facility including a program and hydrotherapy pool with a second stage including a 25m lap pool and leisure water space, may be a more affordable option to bring indoor aquatics to the town in a shorter time frame, if budget became available.

The table below shows the current Moorabool population and forecasts for 10 (2028) and 20 (2038) years, along with the forecast in the 2009 study for 2021 and the updated forecast for 2021 from Forecast ID.

Age (years) 2018 2028 2038 SGL 2009 (2021 ) 2021

0-4 years 2,147 2,604 3,094 2,276 2,303

5-9 years 2,357 2,803 3,327 3,540 2,482

10-14 years 2,471 2,912 3,472 2,644

15-19 years 2,199 2,685 3,167 2,973 2,338

20-24 years 1,901 2,143 2,486 2,978 1,929

25-29 years 1,827 2,073 2,441 4,431 1,946

30-34 years 2,040 2,500 2,928 2,215

35-39 years 2,276 2,869 3,383 7,757 2,481

40-44 years 2,386 3,037 3,667 2,577

45-49 years 2,466 2,910 3,589 2,521

50-54 years 2,346 2,674 3,330 4,879 2,473

55-59 years 2,237 2,532 3,007 2,325

60-64 years 2,037 2,360 2,748 3,862 2,135

65-69 years 1,867 2,258 2,638 1,997

70-74 years 1,485 1,962 2,378 3,342 1,687

75-79 years 876 1,589 2,027 1,139

80-84 years 547 1,112 1,542 633

85+ years 564 888 1375 621 631

Total 34,030 41,911 50,600 36,659 36,456

The following key indicators are median figures compiled from 129 indoor pools within the three bategories and give some indication of the potential revenue and expenditure that could be expected from a multipurpose aquatic centre in Bacchus Marsh: •  Gross receipts $2.140,445 •  Gross Expenditures $2,463,936 •  Net ($323,491) •  Fees per visit $6.63 •  Secondary spend per visit $0.36 •  Expense recovery percentage 91% •  Visits per square metre 96 •  Total annual visits 350,000 •  Catchment population (5km) 39,106 6

CERM figures refer to data from the 2011/12, 2012/13 and 2013/2014 financial years which was similar to previous studies completed over the previous 20 years.

The Financial Model prepared by SGL for Council in July 2013 provided financial analysis for Stage 1 and Stage 2 of a design by Mantric Architecture. The stage 1 base case indicated the net 10 year average annual cost to Council of an indoor aquatic facility would be in order of $601,000 year (excluding depreciation). This assumes an average of 220,000 visits per. Stage 2 included dry fitness components. The stage 2 base case indicated the net 10 year average annual cost to Council of the facility would be in order of $443,000 (excluding depreciation). This assumes an average of 288,000 visits per year.

Benchmarking and future catchment population suggest that the cost to Council could be lower. However, there are numerous factors that can influence the operating performance of multi purpose aquatic centres.

These include; site location, design, facility components, facility maintenance, marketing, programming, management expertise, operating hours, staff wage agreements, utility costs and competition.

Competition in the fitness facility market has never been greater with 24 hour gyms offering low service/low cost models driving down the price of gym memberships.

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12. Benchmarking, Operating, and Capital Costs

The expanding swim school market now includes a number of private swimming school facilities and providers of swimming lessons, especially in Victoria, e.g. JUMP, King Swim, Paul Sadler Swimland, Shapland Swim Schools, Carlile Swimming, Rackley Swimming, and State Swim are entering a market that was once predominately met by Council owned leisure centres. The growth in the private market means Council owned centres face more competition for the key revenue streams than ever before

CERM benchmarks The University of South Australia, Centre for Environmental and Recreation Management (CERM) have been benchmarking aquatic and leisure facilities for over 20 years. The CERM Performance Indicators are collected predominately from local government indoor sports and leisure centres with over 200 centres contributing data.

Data is collected and collated depending on the type of centre and centre catchment.

Indoor Pool categories (Group 7) are divided between those venues less that 3000m2, those between 3,000m2 and 5,999m2 and those 6,000m2 and over.

6 Centre For Tourism and Leisure Management. 2014 Aquatic Centres Operational Benchmarks!

Recent aquatic developments There are few local comparable examples of small scale aquatic facilities that have recently been constructed. The projected cost reported to Council in July 201 for a future indoor pool in Bacchus Marsh was between $18.74 million and $28.33 million, depending on completion of the final stage.

The cost of two significant multipurpose aquatic centres under construction in Victoria suggest considerable additional facilities may be achievable for not much more than $28 million, or that a smaller scale facility may cost significantly less.

The Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre and Kangaroo Flat Aquatic Centre, Bendigo are currently under construction. A third facility was recently opened by the City of Hume in Craigieburn.

Following are examples of components, costs and funding sources for the three centres.

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Benchmarking, Operating, and Capital Costs continue

Kangaroo Flat Aquatic Centre - $31m Due to open 2018, this includes a 50m x 8 lane indoor pool, leisure pool, splash park, program pool, steam, spa, gym, sauna, café, crèche, wellness centre, multi purpose rooms, parking.

Funding contributions for this centre include: – state government $15m, City of Bendigo $10.1m, federal government $4.9m, and community $1m.

Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre - $27.3m This facility is due to open in November 2018. This facility includes: a 50m x 8 lane outdoor heated pool, outdoor heated learn to swim pool, outdoor heated play pool, 2 water slides, kiosk/retail, 24 hour gym, multi purpose and group fitness, sports pavilion and car parking.

Funding was provided by Council , with no contributions from state or federal government.

SPLASH, Aqua Park and Leisure Centre, Craigieburn - $35.5m The facility opened in October, 2017. It includes a 50m indoor pool, warm water pool, toddler pool, learn to swim pool, aqua play zone, spa, sauna, steam room, group fitness studio, gym, mind, body and soul, studio, and two water slides. Funding was provided by state government $3m, Hume Council $17.3m, federal government $9.1m, Stockland $5.7m and Lend Lease $360,00.

13. Funding Opportunities

There are a number of sources of funds for recreation / sports developments and single components of an aquatic centre.

In most instances large capital aquatic projects will have multiple funding sources that may include government, user group and not-for-profit funds. Not-for-profit and philanthropic funds in some instances may contribute to operational expenses, such as setting up a small enterprise, employment or equipment or energy saving initiatives etc. In many cases one or more government grants can lever off others. Some grants available may only be accessible to local government and others to not-for-profit community groups or sport and recreation clubs. In this case several different funding sources maybe packaged together.

If Council considered entering into a partnership with a community group or small business to develop the facility or service, a number of additional funding opportunities may be available.

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Typical sources of funds for indoor sports facilities include: 1.  Government grants 2.  Council funds 3.  Philanthropic Trusts / Foundation Grants etc. 4.  Naming rights, or sponsorship funds 5.  Funds generated from use of facilities /legacy projects. 6.  Joint developments and partnerships with peak bodies, other

agencies, health services, or non-government agencies 7.  Contributions from developers triggered by subdivision 8.  Contributions from user groups !

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1.Government grants 1a. Federal Government – for example, the Building Better Regions Fund 1b. State Government E.g. Sport and Recreation Victoria Community Sports Infrastructure Fund Better Pools – Grants of up to $3 million for high-quality aquatic leisure facilities through new or redeveloped aquatic leisure centres. Major Facilities – Grants of up to $650,000 (where the total project cost is more than $500,000, excluding GST) for major district and regional sport and recreation facilities. Small Aquatic Projects – Grants of up to $200,000 to improve and upgrade aquatic facilities, seasonal pools and develop new water play spaces. Minor Facilities – Grants of up to $100,000 for any one project (where the total project cost is up to $1,000,000 excluding GST) are available for community sport and recreation groups, working in partnership with local government, for community sport and recreation facilities. E.g. Regional Development Victoria: Regional Job Fund (RJF) - Facilitate job creation and retain existing jobs. These may be for micro businesses within a indoor facility for example gym, café etc. Social Impact Investment for Sustainability Program - Funds $200,000 as a grant and low interest (2.5%) loan for investment-ready social enterprises to create new jobs and training opportunities.

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14. Typical Sources of Funds for Aquatic Projects

Stronger Regional Communities Plan (SRCP) - Funds $50,000 to support regional towns in attracting families and young people to live and work, community-led initiatives for economic growth, building community capabilities to drive change and improving liveability 2. Council funds

i.  Capital works, and asset management program budgets

ii.  Special rates levies iii.  Land sales

3. Philanthropic Trusts / Foundation Grants etc. E.g. The Holden Home Ground Advantage, Helen McPherson Trust, Australian Sports Foundation

4. Naming rights, or sponsorship funds E.g. Kyneton Toyota Aquatic Centre, Wallan Community Bank Adventure Playground, Schweppes Stadium Bendigo and Ulverstone, Buffalo Sports Stadium, Mars Miner Dome.

5. Funds generated from use of facilities For example:

i.  Revenue from leases and hire agreements e.g. three years paid in advance

ii.  Fees from events- that have a legacy policy where higher order equipment would be retained by the facility for example

iii.  Rental fees for on-site businesses including cafes and bike rental

iv.  Leases to telecommunication towers

6.Joint developments and partnerships peak bodies, other agencies, health services, or non-government agencies E.g. VIC Health and other interest groups. 7. Contributions from developers triggered by subdivision Either through the open space contribution or S.173 agreement

8. Contributions from management entities or local benefactors E.g. A local sporting association may be able to make a small capital contribution. The Collingwood Basketball Association was successful in receiving a $3milion grant towards a new stadium. Several facilities in Hamilton Victoria have been funded by a local family.

9. Fund raising programs E.g. The Ararat Indoor Aquatic Facility was funded by local fundraiser and a community fund raising campaign. The 99kW rooftop PV system at the Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre in Lismore, NSW was raised by a community company with 20 local investors.

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15. Appendices

Appendix 1. Site Review

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Grant Street, Bacchus Marsh •  Existing outdoor pool site •  Recommended to receive upgrade with a

splash park !

Advantages!•  Land already owned by Council

•  Served by a public bus and 10 min walk from the train station, accessible along the river corridor

•  Close proximity to local schools

•  Close proximity to future growth areas – West Maddingley and Stonehill Estate

!Disadvantages!

•  The site is on the banks of the Werribee River and has a number of planning overlays including environmental, heritage, erosion, and development and design

•  Potential increase in traffic to Grant Street

Civic Hub, Darley •  Council owned site

•  Currently home to Acrofun (gymnastics) !

Advantages!•  Land already owned by Council; no land

purchase concerns

•  Travel accessibility within acceptable range for majority of residents

•  Location is well known amongst community with council staff and Acrofun located on-site

•  Colocation with a school and civic centre

•  Opportunity to expand existing facility

•  Opportunity to create a destination venue and make an existing court more viable

•  Travel accessibility: Bacchus Marsh 8 min drive; Maddingley 10 min; Ballan 19 min

!Disadvantages!

•  Some alterations to existing infrastructure may be required

•  Not a very prominent site

•  One court only

•  The site has existing buildings on it and providing for four indoor courts could be difficult

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Appendix 1. Site Review Taverner Street, Maddingley

•  2.65 hectare site

•  Located next to Maddingley Park

•  Land recently purchased by Council !

Advantages!

•  Land already owned by Council

•  Close to public transport and existing sporting infrastructure

•  Close proximity to local schools

•  Land awaiting development

•  Adequate space available for stadium, aquatics, dry fitness and car parking

•  Travel accessibility: Bacchus Marsh 2 min drive; Darley 9 min; Ballan 20 min

•  Ideally located to existing sports infrastructure to create a good, central sports precinct

!Disadvantages!

•  Title change required as land is currently listed as being zoned farming land (DELWP)

Masons Lane, Bacchus Marsh •  Vacant space available for stadium,

aquatics and car parking

•  Council owned site

Advantages!

•  Land already owned by Council; no land purchase concerns

•  Central location ensures limited travel accessibility concerns

•  Location is well known amongst community with multiple sporting groups already using site

•  Close proximity to primary schools

•  Close to town centre

•  Opportunity to improve site as a recreation/ sporting hub

•  Travel accessibility: Darley 4 min drive; Maddingley 8 min; Ballan 19 min

!

Disadvantages!

•  Topography could create some issues due to existence of hill and location of some trees

•  Possible impact on existing Masons Lane user groups

!