Kerrod Trott 
A growing group of local residents, businesses, and community groups from Aldinga and the surrounding area reckon that this rapidly growing area of the Fleurieu Peninsula needs an Aquatic Centre. They want action NOW to set aside land.
According to Tracy Atkinson, one of the leaders of the group, the benefits of swimming and water-based activities are well established:
- Learn to swim- all ages
- Life saving
- Lap swimming for fitness and competition
- Water based sports e.g. water hockey, volleyball
- Aqua aerobics and other supported fitness and exercise
- Hydrotherapy and rehabilitation, spa, sauna.
- Social interaction, mental health, and fun! Splash n Play!
“While we have beautiful beaches,” says Tracey, “these do not serve the same purpose as a swimming pool.”
(Weather, dangerous water conditions, high UV levels, and poor accessibility are some limitations. To be confident in the sea, residents and visitors require good fitness and swimming ability, before they enter the water.)
Research indicates that travel times for optimal attendance at fitness activities are less than 6 kms or 10 minutes by car. However, there are no aquatic facilities within 10 minutes of Aldinga and very limited hydrotherapy options*
Current population within 10 mins of Aldinga is in excess of 20,000, already the population for sustaining an aquatic centre (Fleurieu Aquatic Centre Business case, 2013).
We have a new B-12 School, Payinthi College and adjacent Sports Park are excellent new developments. The focus on sporting clubs, recreation trails, cycling and local parks in the area are welcome, however swimming and indoor facilities for older and less mobile residents are missing. Our population is growing and ageing, with young families, teens, and active older adults. All ages and all abilities use aquatic centres!
The Action Group believes Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre (FRAC) at Victor harbour is an excellent facility, opened in 2017 at a cost of $21 million. Funding sources included Federal and State Government, and 2.5 hectares donated by the Wright Family Real Estate Developers. It is jointly managed by an Authority for the two Councils and run by the YMCA. Set in beautiful treed grounds with picnic areas and waterways.
Many other SA Council areas are actively planning, extending, replacing, building new aquatic centres. Why not ours!?
The action group has grown to 8 people and more than 300 Facebook followers, demonstrating this is a lively and important issue for our community. A deputation to Council is planned.
If you would like to show your support, please like the Facebook page and/or Instagram, or email aquaticcentrealdinga@gmail.com and tell your friends, family, Councillor and MP.
For more information about the campaign or to offer a letter of support, please contact Alison Alcock 0409 980 378 or Tracey Atkinson 0408 611 574.
*(Noarlunga 20 kms/20 mins; Marion 36kms/31 mins; Fleurieu Aquatic Victor Harbor 42kms/33mins, Seaford (Private) 15 mins/12kms.
Main photo: The Action Group in action. L-R Karen Bubna-Litic, Alison Alcock and Tracey Atkinson
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