$120M Tarneit Pool Planning Begins

Planning is underway for a second indoor aquatic facility in Wyndham, with Council beginning early work on a new centre in the Tarneit area to service the city’s fast-growing northern and western suburbs.

Wyndham City Council says the planning phase will develop initial concept designs, indicative costs, funding options and a proposed delivery timeline. These details are expected to be considered by councillors in 2026, with a final decision targeted for mid-year.

Mayor of Wyndham, Cr Josh Gilligan, says the project is aimed at preparing for long-term population growth.

“Wyndham’s growing population is driving increased demand for modern and accessible aquatic facilities,” Cr Gilligan said.

“AquaPulse and the Werribee Outdoor Pool are much-loved community assets, welcoming more than one million visits each year and supporting over 3,500 children through Learn to Swim programs.”

“But with more than 330,000 residents and only one aquatic facility for every 150,000 people, compared to Greater Geelong’s one for every 75,000 we know we need more facilities.”

“Starting this planning work now puts us in the strongest position to partner with State and Federal Governments on what is expected to be a $120 million project, while also planning for Council’s contribution.”

Wyndham currently operates two aquatic facilities — AquaPulse in Hoppers Crossing and the Werribee Outdoor Pool in Werribee — with Council continuing to invest in their maintenance and renewal.

“Like all major infrastructure, our aquatic facilities require ongoing investment to stay safe, modern and fit-for-purpose,” Cr Gilligan said.

Cr Gilligan declared the Tarneit pool one of his priorities when becoming mayor.

Deputy Mayor and Bemin Ward Councillor Cr Preet Singh says the proposed new facility would address access gaps across the municipality.

“This project is about giving families in Wyndham’s growing north and west the same access to high-quality aquatic and leisure facilities that residents in other parts of Melbourne have,” Cr Singh said.

“By doing the early work now including designs, costings and funding pathways, we’re making sure we’re ready to deliver when the time comes.”

However, the move has reignited long-running community debate over aquatic facility priorities, with many residents and several councillors arguing that Point Cook — one of Wyndham’s most densely populated suburbs — should receive an indoor pool first.

Those concerns have been sharpened by past funding decisions, including the Big Shed community facility in Truganina, which was partly funded using Point Cook developer contributions.

Critics say that decision has placed Council under increased scrutiny over how growth-area funds are allocated and whether they are being returned to the communities that generated them.

Council says the outcomes of the Tarneit planning work will inform future advocacy to State and Federal Governments, consistent with Infrastructure Victoria recommendations that the Victorian Government contribute up to one-third of the cost of new aquatic facilities and associated planning.