Community
5 December, 2025
Residents deeply saddened by pool closure
THE Belfast Aquatics Committee of Management has confirmed the permanent closure of the Port Fairy Community Pool.
In a statement released late last week, the committee members said they were “deeply saddened” by the closure, which was an “immensely painful moment” for the town, pool members, staff, volunteers and every person who had ever swan, learned, laughed, recovered or found belonging within the walls of Belfast Aquatics.
For more than 20 years, this pool has been stewarded by local volunteers.
“The committee has been proud to carry that responsibility on behalf of the community, dedicating countless hours because we believed in what this place represents: health, safety, connection, and opportunity for people of all ages and abilities,” the statement read.
“As a volunteer committee, we have always acknowledged our limitations, particularly when it comes to major maintenance and long-term capital works.
“We have worked tirelessly with the resources available to us, but the structural and financial challenges now identified are well beyond the capacity of volunteers alone to resolve.”
Recent building and plant inspections revealed significant financial implications, with required works estimated to exceed $2 million.
“This scale of investment required is devastating and, ultimately, insurmountable under the current circumstances,” the committee said.
“Despite this heartbreak, we remain determined and hopeful. We continue to hold faith that future funding pathways may emerge - through government, grants, philanthropy or broad community advocacy.
“Port Fairy has always been a community of problem-solvers and champions, and we know people will rally once again to explore every possible avenue to bring an aquatic facility back to our town. Our hope is not lost, and neither is our commitment.”
The committee also acknowledged that the community had fought for this facility before and it was determined to fight again.
The group extended its deepest gratitude to the facility’s staff and volunteers, past and present, whose dedication had kept the facility operating for nearly two decades.
It also acknowledged Moyne Shire Council for the financial support it had provided over the years.
“We also want to recognise something bigger than our own loss alone. Across Australia, community-run and council-run aquatic facilities face enormous financial pressure,” committee members said.
“Pools rarely make a profit, in fact, they operate at significant loss, yet they deliver immense public value. They save lives through essential learn-to-swim programs.
“They save millions in healthcare costs through rehabilitation and preventative health. They support physical wellbeing, social connection and community resilience.
“This is not just a Belfast Aquatics issue; it’s a challenge faced by communities everywhere. Locally, we do worry about the future of the other aquatic facilities across Moyne Shire.”
The group believes council’s asset budgets seem to be severely underfunded, and without significant long-term investment, it fears fear more closures could follow.
“Our community deserves more certainty than this. We thank everyone for their support, compassion and strength during this heartbreaking time.
“As the Moyne Aquatic Facilities Strategy progresses, we will continue to advocate for a strong, accessible and sustainable aquatic future for Port Fairy and for the wider region. We stand ready to contribute our experience, our knowledge and our unwavering belief that aquatic facilities are essential public infrastructure - not optional extras.”
Moyne Shire Council said the lease for the centre expired on November 30 and council did not have any plans for the facility to continue operating after that date.
Moyne Shire mayor Cr Jordan Lockett said council acknowledged the impact this decision would have on the community and the disappointment felt by many residents who have valued this facility for years.
“We understand this is a difficult time and share in the community’s sense of loss,” Cr Lockett said.
“The Belfast Aquatics committee of management has much to be proud of building and running the facility for and on behalf of the community and council acknowledges its many outstanding volunteer contributions over many years.
“Council is developing the Moyne Aquatic Facilities Strategy to inform future investment and service provision in community pools and to deliver facilities that provide long-term value and are responsive to the diverse needs of our community.”
The strategy is expected to come before council by June 2026.
