Monbulk in the swim

By Tania Martin
MONBULK Aquatic Centre will get a $500,000 overhaul after years of campaigning for an upgrade.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges last week announced the funding as part of its 2007-08 draft budget.
Although welcoming the news, Monbulk Aquatic Club president Gaby Mitchell said the council would need to spend a lot more than $500,000 to improve the centre.
“It’s a great start but a lot more needs to be done,” she said.
“The pool is at its capacity most days and needs a major expansion.”
The shire’s manager of community relations, James Martin, said the money would be used to upgrade the gymnasium and increase the size of the aerobic room.
He said the cash would also be used to improve the toilets and upgrade the change rooms.
The toddler program pool, which is generally used for swimming classes, will also get an upgrade.
Ms Mitchell said the funding for the toilets and showers was overdue.
“The showers are inadequate with tiles falling off the wall and mould and only one of the men’s showers works properly,” she said.
Aquatic centre manager Helen Hostettler said she was absolutely delighted about the funding boost.
“We are bursting at the seams and any regular users or members will welcome the news,” she said.
The money comes as a relief to gym and swimming club members who have called for an upgrade of services for years.
In 2004-05 the council promised to spend $2 million on an upgrade of the aquatic centre.
But the funds were later diverted to the Monbulk community centre development.
The shire’s director of corporate services, Mick Cummins, said that would not happen this time.
Lyster Ward councillor Samantha Dunn said she would do everything in her power to make sure that did not happen again.
Cr Dunn said the funding was fantastic news and that it would give the aquatic centre a much-needed lift.