Community
23 January, 2026
Discussions continue on pool future
MOYNE Shire councillors have acknowledged the “questions, frustration and sense of hurt many community members are feeling” in relation to the current closure of the Port Fairy pool and fitness centre.
In a statement released last week, the council said both councillors and the chief executive officer had attended a community rally for the centre on January 11.
Mayor Cr Jordan Lockett said there had been many letters and conversations with community members over the last few weeks about the closure of the facility.
“We hear the concerns, and acknowledge the questions, frustration and sense of hurt many are feeling,” he said.
“With the end of the overholding lease on January 16, the facility has been handed over from the Belfast Aquatics committee to Moyne Shire Council.
“Council acknowledges and appreciates the committee’s efforts in the lead up to the handover.
“As a councillor group, we received a full debrief on the transition.
“We understand there has been interest from the community, and while council has appeared silent in recent weeks, this has been out of respect for the formal handover process and the legal and operational requirements involved.”
Cr Lockett said the council would continue to keep communication as open and transparent as possible moving forward.
“Council will now consider all options available to it for the facility now that the lease has concluded,” he said.
“Moyne Shire residents and groups will have the opportunity to make submissions to our Aquatic Facilities Strategy, which opens for public feedback soon. We heartily encourage participation in this process and will communicate widely all the opportunities for public engagement.”
The strategy will inform council’s future investment and provision of services in community pools and will recommend a staged implementation plan to guide future decisions.
