Tuesday, 13 May 2025

Northern Victoria Region

Wendy LOVELL (Northern Victoria) (12:51): (1545) My question is for the Treasurer. Will you confirm that the 2025–26 Victorian state budget will provide the funds necessary to build a new swimming pool in Rochester? The brave and resilient people of Rochester have been building back their lives after the devastating floods of 2022, but one matter remains uncertain: will the town be able to rebuild their pool, which was destroyed by the floods? Australians love the water, and in rural towns the local swimming pool is not just a place to exercise, it is also an important social gathering place. Replacing the pool is a top priority for Rochester residents and the Campaspe Shire Council, which has taken the big step of committing $5 million of council funds towards the $12.5 million cost of a replacement pool and now seeks support from the Victorian state government. Treasurer, you previously said:

… it is a project as a local member that I am pretty sure I will get behind.

The Treasurer must now stand by these words by providing the state’s portion of the funding to reach the goal of $12.5 million to rebuild the town pool.