Council & Politics
18 December, 2025
New change rooms make splash at pool
The three local schools, St Arnaud Swim Club and both local and State Government officials came together on Friday to tour the completed works.
THE first stage of the St Arnaud pool redevelopment has been completed with the facilities new change rooms officially opening last week.
The three local schools, St Arnaud Swim Club and both local and State Government officials came together on Friday to tour the completed works.
Pool patrons can now enjoy the change room and amenity improvements, as well as a new dedicated first aid and kiosk area, and all-abilities family friendly changeroom.
“This redevelopment is a big win for the people of St Arnaud and surrounding areas and we are excited about the entire project being completed ahead of the 2026-27 summer season,” Northern Grampians Shire mayor Karen Hyslop said.
Council was successful in obtaining a $1.94 million grant from the State Government to complete the redevelopment in two stages.
Council also invested $650,000, resulting in a $2.6 million project providing the St Arnaud community with a modern, accessible, and inclusive aquatic facility.
Stage two, which includes repairs to the pool, will start in early 2026 – at the end of the summer period – meaning the peak swimming season will not be inconvenienced by construction works.
“The reason we are not delivering both parts at once is to avoid delays that could result in the pool opening late or not at all, which would be disastrous for the community and not a risk we are willing to take,” Cr Hyslop said.
Ripon MP Martha Haylett said Investments like these are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.
“The St Arnaud swimming pool is looking better than ever and now the community has the modern facilities they deserve,” she said. “These upgrades will encourage more locals to learn how to swim and stay active, especially during summer.
Kelly Architects completed the design stage and Build Forth delivered the stage-one works.
Cr Hyslop said the project was aligned with the council’s Sport and Recreation Strategy 2024-2034.
“A key element of stage two is a new access ramp to the pool, which will help support the health, wellbeing and social inclusion of our residents,” she said.
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