Mr Romer has been consistently encouraging residents to complete the survey and attend the drop-in sessions which will be held this week.
The survey, released by Campaspe Shire Council on Friday, June 20, called for community input on three different aquatic facility designs.
The designs were created based on initial community consultations led by Otium Planning in 2023.
The initial design created by Otium Planning following the 2023 consultations was costed to be more than $20 million, so a revised model was created worth $12.5 million.
The plans attached with the survey include two options worth $12.5 million, one being a splash park and lagoon pool with amenities or a 25m pool with amenities, a park and water play elements.
The third option, worth $5 million, proposes a splash park and amenities only option.
Although Mr Romer has encouraged community feedback on the plans, he said the survey had created confusion for some community members.
“The survey has now reignited all the initial arguments and concerns around the pool ... all these things that were kind of already knocked on the head in the first round of consultation with Otium,” he said.
“We got to a point where Otium did the consultation and then they got the information they wanted to produce what the community wanted.
“Instead of going back, using the information that Otium already collected ... we’re now back here going ‘it’s out to consultation again’.
“What we want to see happen is the council continue to progress forward with the planning, costings and then advocacy work to governments and councils (for funding).”
Campaspe Shire Council responded to concerns, noting that the plans were attached to the survey complete with costings.
While no formal funding applications have been lodged as the plans are still in the concept design phase, council said it had advocated for funding to both state and federal departments.
At this stage, the only funding that has been realised is the council’s $5 million contribution.
Following community engagement through the survey and drop-in sessions, the project will move into the preliminary stage before revealing the final detailed design.
Once a detailed design has been completed, the council will identify available funding options to apply for.
Campaspe Shire Council communities director Jo Bradshaw said the survey was a necessary step in the process.
“The survey is necessary to capture the community’s preferred option as presented,” she said.
“This is an opportunity for the community to participate in selecting the preferred option based on the engagement previously undertaken.”
Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said she was ready and willing to support the project once council had completed the necessary plans.
“Once the council has finalised its plans for a new pool, there will be a range of grant opportunities available via state and federal governments for this project,” she said.
“As these opportunities are open and competitive tender, I will be doing what I can to support any applications for funding the council decides to submit.”
The pool plans are available at https://tinyurl.com/mtw9d9kf by clicking the link found under the listed design options.
Community members are also encouraged to attend the drop-in sessions that will be held at the Rochester Shire Hall on Thursday, July 3, at 4pm to 6pm and 7pm to 9pm, and Friday, July 4, from 9am to 11am.
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