Banyule Council Management of Olympic Leisure Centre
There is a groundswell of support to save the pool, Banyule Council work with us to advocate for State, Federal and Private funding to meet the self-determined needs of the community
banyule council has never advocated for funding to redevelop the Olympic leisure centre
Correspondence from Hon Ros Spence MP, Minister for Community Sport office "Typically, funding to develop facilities is only available through Local Government Authorities, who can apply directly to Victorian Government community sports infrastructure programs on behalf of their community. I can advise that Council has not applied for funding for the Olympic Leisure Centre to date."
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We have further clarified with Banyule Council that they have never advocated for funding - State, Federal or Private - to redevelop the aquatic facilities at OLC through questions submitted by community members to Banyule Council Administration and noted in the Banyule Council Meeting Minutes. See more questions we have submitted here.
funding has been available for capital projects. Banyule council lets invest where west has decided is best
Heidelberg united fc - olympic park - $18.5M
Heidelberg United FC - Olympic Park development is a 10 minute walk from Olympic Leisure Centre. It has enjoyed a 4 stage development spanning 2019-2026 including new pavilion and 12,000 seat stadium upgrade for a high level representative soccer side. $10.5M from Banyule Council and $8M from State funding with no evidence this facility is used by 3081 residents.
Bellfield Community Hub - $15M of Funding
Council investment in 3081 is not accessible for the residents of 3081
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“While it is acknowledged Council is investing in a new community hub in Belfield, this facility is unlikely to be effective in supporting many members of the Heidelberg West community, particularly those experiencing disadvantage. Limited or no access to transport along with a reluctance to access services south of Bell Street are key issues that will inhibit use of the Bellfield facility by Heidelberg West community members. Should Council wish to encourage and support use of the Bellfield facility by Heidelberg West community members, transport services and a focus upon offering programs and an approach that welcomes all community members will need to be carefully considered.” (Page.42 2020 Needs Analysis)
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The cheapest meeting room our community campaign could hire at Bellfield Community Hub was $43 per hour. We have had to hold our meetings in people's homes, at parks and on the street - organising a community movement has been particularly challenging in winter.
funding is CURRENTLY available for capital projects. Banyule council lets share the investment between ivanhoe aquatic and olympic leisure
Ivanhoe aquatic centre redevelopment - $12.7M
Banyule Council is choosing to remove health infrastructure from Metropolitan Melbourne's second most disadvantaged pocket while it is renovating Ivanhoe Aquatic Centre - a facility that is in significantly better condition than Olympic Leisure Centre.
Ivanhoe Aquatic Centre has had investment over it 45 year life that has kept it's facility condition up to user standards - unlike Olympic Leisure Centre.
You can compare the two aquatic facilities manage by Banyule Council for yourself
Banyule Council are closing the pool because "The aquatic areas of the centre, added in the 1970s, has seen low and declining usage and are reaching the end of their useful life. Despite efforts to boost participation, the performance of the centre has not improved over time with attendance continuing to be well below industry standards."
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The community does not agree that Banyule Council has effectively tried to boost usage of the OLC. We have asked questions at council meetings, contacted the facility management and council administration and they have not been able to provide details on any programs aimed at boosting usage of OLC in general, or OLC aquatic facilities.
In addition Banyule Council's 2020 Needs analysis reported that aquatic facility usage increases when they are redeveloped to meet the communities needs.
