After years of arguments and ill-feeling, it seems that the Rosebud pool’s rival camps have finally shaken hands and agreed to compromise, allowing the project to proceed.
The latest bitter arguments centred around whether to make Rosebud’s new pool an Olympic sized 50-metre, or stick with the cheaper 25- metre option.
A source from inside council has exclusively told The Public Record that both sides have agreed on a compromise, and the pool will now be 37.5 metres long.
The project has long divided the community.
First there was wrangling over the location of the pool. The council decided the favoured site was on the Rosebud Foreshore. That was opposed by many, and eventually, in mid 2013, the shire dumped that location as the preferered site.
After Besgrove Street was decided as the favoured location, then the fighting began over the length of the pool.
“This is a win for common sense” said an anonymous source from within the shire. “Compromising the length at 37.5-metres will keep everybody happy”.
The pool will now be fast-tracked at the Besgrove Street site.
The cost of the aquatic centre was estimated at $28.4 million-$30.7 million, depending on it having a 25-metre or 50-metre pool. Now the length has been settled at 37.5-metres, it is expected the pool will cost $29.55 million.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor Bryan Payne thanked the community members who have already provided their thoughts.
“We are inviting community members to attend a series of pop up sessions throughout the whole of the peninsula where you will have the ability to speak directly with Shire staff and have all your questions answered”.
Seawinds Ward Councillor Antonella Celi said “our community has been wanting an aquatic facility for the southern peninsula for a very long time – this is a very exciting time indeed for all involved”.
