Statement in response to Letter to the Editor from Lisa Chesters MP
Published on 01 May 2025
We were most disappointed to see a letter to the Editor in the Campaspe News, Tuesday 29 April 2025, from Lisa Chesters, Federal Candidate for Bendigo. We typically do not conduct our business in the media, however, feel compelled to respond via the same avenue.
In particular, the comments suggesting that Campaspe Shire Council has not completed the necessary work to ensure this project is ready for a successful Federal Government funding application is disingenuous and offensive.
We sincerely hope this assertion is not an excuse for the Federal Government’s lack of commitment to this project, either now or into the future.
To set the record straight, Council has been progressively advocating for an aquatic facility – beginning with an initial meeting with Ms Chesters and officers in December 2024, where a model that the community had identified was presented with accompanying costs.
This model was produced on the back of Otium Planning Group being engaged by Council in June 2023 to specifically identify the needs and service level for an aquatic facility in Rochester. This involved online and in person surveys, pop up conversation stations and direct key stakeholder interviews netting hundreds of participants of which 80% were residents of Rochester.
The community feedback formed the plan which included a 25-metre pool, creative water play park, cafe and social seating, accessible changerooms, landscaped parkland, dry adventure play space, toilets and storage and plant and maintenance shed. The estimated cost of this facility was approximately $26 million.
It was agreed at the time that this was cost prohibitive for all tiers of government, however Council communicated this to the Federal and State Governments so they could be prepared for the forthcoming 2025 elections and subsequent advocacy from Council with Rochester aquatic facility being one of its highest priorities.
Since then, Council has produced a revised model that includes a 25-metre pool, changerooms, kiosk, splash pad and flood resilient plant and filtration systems. This revised model has been costed at $12.5 million.
Council has made a $5 million commitment to the project and has communicated the revised figure of $12.5 million to Ms Chesters and other federal candidates, as well as the State Government seeking their support for the balance. The project is dependent upon this funding.
At a meeting with Ms Chesters in Bendigo last week on April 23, we again outlined the process and plans and left feeling optimistic that our community would be supported by the Federal Government. In fact, Council has received an email from Ms Chester’s office confirming she also thought the meeting was positive and productive and was looking forward to working together in the future.
Campaspe is indeed ready Ms Chesters, leading with a $5 million commitment – but is yet to hear what the Federal Government’s commitment is to the people of Rochester and surrounds.
Cr Daniel Mackrell
Campaspe Shire Mayor.