In addition to the online survey, residents were also invited to a three community engagement sessions facilitated by Otium Planning representatives Kate Maddock and Ben Bainbridge
More than 150 participants attended the sessions to ask questions and share their thoughts on the three plans designed by Campaspe Shire Council.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell said he was pleased to see the engagement from the wider community.
“We’re thrilled with the level of engagement so far,” he said.
“It’s clear the Rochester community is passionate about the future of their pool, and their feedback will be instrumental in shaping the final outcome.”
During the sessions, residents were able to ask questions and provide feedback on the three design options put forth by Campaspe Shire Council.
Option one consists of a splash park and lagoon pool with the necessary amenities worth $12m.
The second option includes the development of a 25-metre swimming pool, including a park with water play elements and amenities also worth $12m.
The third option, which would use the $5m that council has already set aside for the aquatic facility, includes the installation of a splash park with amenities only.
While Otium were in town to run the sessions, they met with key stakeholders such as representatives from Rochester Secondary College, St Joseph’s Rochester and the Rochester Business Network.
Secretary of the Rochester Swimming Club Peter Romer also met with Otium as a key stakeholder.
Mr Romer said discussions focused on what the swimming club would like to see.
“The meeting was good, the guys from Otium... were really understanding,” he said.
“As a swimming club we would strongly advocate for a competition spec 25m pool... that can cater for school groups swimming, lap swimming,” he said.
“We can run short courses and have short course events that lead to state and national swimming titles... but we need to have a competition swimming pool (that) must meet the minimum standards.
“We're also conscious of the fact that there's a lot of children and grandparents with grandchildren and... it's not always easy for grandparents to be in the pool so some splash park or water play activities where they can spend time with their grand-kids, is important too.”
Mr Romer added that moving forward he would like to see more defined plans that accurately reflect what the community wants and clarity from council throughout the process.
The survey remains open until Tuesday, 23 July, and council encourages all residents to have their say before the deadline.
For more information or to complete the survey, visit www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/NowOpen
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