COROWA REGIONAL SPORT, HEALTH AND WELLBEING COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Corowa Aquatic Centre

Regional Concept Plan
Building stronger communities through health
and wellbeing

Figure 1: Developing our youth potential

Contents
Vision....................................................................................................................................................... 2
Mission .................................................................................................................................................... 2
Executive Summary................................................................................................................................. 3
Facilities/ Amenities ................................................................................................................................ 4
1.

Caf bistro ................................................................................................................................... 4

2.

Olympic opportunities ................................................................................................................ 5

3.

365 days a year ........................................................................................................................... 6

4.

Interactive play ........................................................................................................................... 7

5.

Iconic draw-card attractions ....................................................................................................... 8

Benefits ................................................................................................................................................... 9
Regional Community ........................................................................................................................... 9
Employment .................................................................................................................................. 10
Tourism ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Sport .................................................................................................................................................. 12
Case Studies: ................................................................................................................................. 13
Health and Wellbeing ....................................................................................................................... 15
Ongoing financial viability ..................................................................................................................... 16
Building stronger communities ............................................................................................................. 17

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Vision
Provide the Corowa regional area with a unique, vibrant and viable aquatic health facility that meets
both community and tourism needs now and into the future.

Figure 2: A glimpse of the future

Mission
Cement an integrated partnership between the community, council, health, tourism and business
sectors to deliver a comprehensive and varied aquatic centre that meets current and future needs
for all.

Figure 3: Olympic identity (Eamon Sullivan)

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Executive Summary
A visionary leader can take an entire community to live its future. A regional leader can redefine the
future prosperity of it population solely by the intention it projects. It is now time for the Corowa
Shire to grab the future with both hands and be the visionary and regional leader it aspires to be.
Quality infrastructure of a regional standard is vital for Corowa to meet this vision Fit for the
Future. Ongoing development to the current older demographic disempowers Corowa at a regional
level.
Historically, from the dawn of time watering holes have always been the traditional gathering place
of communities no matter the society. The place to re-engage. The place to exchange ideas. The
place to centre a populous. The place to develop from.
The provision of a vibrant regional standard aquatic health facility will be the stimulus through which
Corowa Shire will redefine its future. A destination of choice. Providing for non-traditional sporting
pathways, enhancing community health and wellbeing though varied activities and events.
A lateral approach to design, integrated with a renewed focus on varied activities with draw-card
attractions, encased within a business model that supports the very ethos of this concept, provides
the foundation for the potential of financial self-sufficiency. Management that focuses on the
potential, not problems, attain success.
A regional aquatic facility will not only meet the collective needs of its community through the
services provided, but be recognised as an employer of choice through the offering of 40 new
sustainable career prospects. Societal retention within the region having flow-on employment
benefits. This signifies economic health a definition of community strength.
A comprehensive and varied aquatic facility is an integral component of a communitys overall
infrastructure, and must be developed in consultation with a broad number of stakeholders.

Corowa Regional Sport, Health and Wellbeing Community Partners (CRSHWCP)

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Facilities/ Amenities
Build it and they will come They will come for reasons they cant even
fathom (Field of Dreams)

Enhancing the overall experience of patrons within the facility will be integral to the conceptual
identity of the new aquatic centre. To make this a destination of choice, we propose the following:

1. Caf bistro
There is currently no other high quality food retailer in this precinct. The creation of the PumpHouse Caf will act as a community gathering place, a mecca for the pursuit of year-round aquatic
and sporting activities. It will offer an informal and relaxed environment that will cater for all age
groups, residents and visitors alike.

Replacement of Infant/Toddler pool

Refurbishment of the current kiosk and reception area creating a Caf Bistro providing for
indoor/ outdoor snacking and dining
Construction of an adjoined undercover integrated play area

Figure 4: The Pump-House Caf offering indoor/ outdoor dining

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2. Olympic opportunities
A snapshot of facility usage between 31st December 2015 and 1st January 2016 revealed that the
current facility serviced:

1021 swimmers (mostly tourists)

48 annual members
512 spectators

Patronage in excess of 500 swimmers a day cannot be accommodated in a 25m complex. These
numbers can only be adequately serviced in a 50m facility. It is our responsibility to provide a multifaceted aquatic centre that successfully accommodates for all aspects of our community.
Additionally it is imperative that our community provides the renewed opportunity for the pursuit of
a myriad of sporting pathways from local to elite level, a basic right of the Australian way of life.

Refurbish or rebuild the 50m Olympic sized pool construct main pool to industry/
association standards
o Standard pools are 50m in length, with lanes at minimum of 8 lanes at least 2.5m
wide with two spaces of at least 0.2m outside of the first and last lanes (FINA)
This will enable and accommodate sporting pathways at Regional and State levels for the
sports of triathlon, aqua-thon, water polo and, swimming

Figure 5: Standard dimensions for water polo

Figure 6: FINA standards for competition

swimming

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3. 365 days a year

The provision of aquatic services all year guarantees greater access and patronage. The construction
of a seasonally versatile pool, that can be enclosed and utilised during cooler months and open
during summer, will be more effective in servicing the broad cross section of our community.

Remove the Middle Pool

Construct 25 x 10 metre indoor/ outdoor pool towards current amenity block
Under single roofline but separate to caf, play area and pool
Providing for:
o Learn to Swim, hydrotherapy, rehabilitation, lap swimming, water walking/running,
aerobics, squad training and community social engagement
o This inclusion will meet association competition requirements of a warm up cool
down pool, in order to host regional and state level events in the pursuits of
triathlon, water polo, aquathon and swimming.

Figure 7: Lateral solutions

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4. Interactive play
The changing nature of aquatic sport and leisure activities indicates the need for accessible
interactive play to be an integral part of the overall aquatic experience. The construction of a
significant splash pad will maximise year round use and attraction.

Construct a vibrant undercover splash pad between caf bistro and 25m indoor/ outdoor
pool
Accommodate for all ages
Year round usage

Figure 6: Release your inner child

Figure 9: Year round fun

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5. Iconic draw-card attractions

Create an iconic, reinvigorated aquatic facility. Re-engage the community through drawcard
attractions that are visionary and versatile, providing an entertaining point of difference.

Maximise additional income streams supporting the continued financial sustainability and
independence of the asset
An innovative regional facility with added capacity has the ability to redefine the fabric of
our society, providing opportunities for residential growth through flow-on effects
Added capacity creating vital destination of choice
Develop under 65 age group

Figure 11: Reaching new heights

Figure 10: Its all about entertainment

Figure 12: Tree top adventures

Figure 13: Gathering at the watering hole

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Benefits
We rise by lifting others (Robert Ingersoll)

Regional Community
Quality integrated infrastructure is required to elevate Corowa Shire to the status of a key regional
centre fit for the future. This is integral to strengthening residential and economic growth in rural
communities.
The following table reinforces the need to strategically develop a facility of excellence that caters for
the specific needs of each cohort. The following driving factors in planning patronage are adapted
from the Sunshine Coast Aquatic Plan 2011-2026.

Table 1: Aquatic services per demographic

Corowa Shire 2011

(ABS)
0 4 years:
631 people
5 11 years:
912 people

Rutherglen 2011 (ABS)

Driving Factors

0 4 years:
140 people
5 14 years:
307 people

12 24 years:
1551 people

15 24 years:
248 people

25 59 years:
4378 people

25 54 years:
856 people

60+ years:
3521 people

55+ years:
882 people

Learn to swim and water appreciation.

Leisure, social interaction.
Skill development, participation in competition
training, cross training, leisure, social
interaction, learn to swim, injury prevention
and management.
Fitness, leisure, competitive events, cross
training, injury prevention and management,
rehabilitation, social interaction, family time,
leisure, aquatic service career training.
Fitness, physical activity, weight management,
prevention of disease and disease
management, injury prevention and
management, rehabilitation, social interaction,
family time, leisure, aquatic service career
training.
Fitness, physical activity, weight management,
prevention of disease and disease
management, injury prevention and
management, non- weight bearing activities,
rehabilitation, water therapy,
Social interaction, family time, leisure.

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Employment
Currently the Corowa Aquatic Centre employs 19 people from the ages of 14 to adult. It is a training
facility in aquatic services:

Pool lifeguard
Swimming instructors
Administration
Management
Hospitality
Pool operations

Figure 14: Professional and vocational careers

The development of this regional aquatic facility will build upon these employment aspects and will
see the aquatic centre become a regional employer of choice, providing:

The sustainable and long term employment of 40 people

Societal retention
Flow-on employment figures
Retained and increased spending within the local economy
A stronger business enterprise resulting in investment growth

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Tourism
Destination NSW revealed that over 1 million domestic visitors came to the Murray Region 20142015. With a total spend of $437 million into the local economy. Spending in Corowa only equates to
$47 million. Through the provision of outstanding infrastructure, the Corowa economy stands to
grasp a greater share of the regional tourist trade.
A preliminary survey of Corowa tourists conducted by CRSHWCP (between 2/1/2016 and 8/1/2016)
revealed:

77% of tourists would increase their pool usage if the current pool was refurbished to
include a fully equipped aquatic facility (50m pool, splash park, heated semi-enclosed pool
and additional aquatic amusements)
91% of tourists believe Corowas viability as a tourist destination would improve if the
current pool was refurbished to include a fully equipped aquatic facility (50m pool, splash
park, heated semi-enclosed pool and additional aquatic amusements)

Table 2: Potential for the tourist dollar

Regional NSW

Murray Region

Albury/Wodonga

Corowa

Number of
visitors

19.3 million
visitors

1.0 million
visitors

1.15 million day

visitors

123,000 visitors

Money spent
in Region

$9.4 billion

$437 million

$751 million

$47 million

Aged 15-29

23.6%

15.2%

N/A

N/A

Aged 40-49

17.2%

N/A

N/A

N/A

Aged 50-59

18.9%

22.4%

N/A

N/A

Aged 60-69

N/A

22.5%

N/A

N/A

From Victoria

N/A

58%

N/A

N/A

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Sport
Its just not cricket
The current diminished standard of the facility removes the future growth of additional aquatic
sports in this region. It is the responsibility of a community to adequately meet all the needs of all of
the community and not just cater for the traditional sports of football, netball and cricket.
Swimming is the most common sporting activity in Australia with 48.8% of children and 10.1% of
adults regularly participating (Roy Morgan Research, 2015). Corowa region has a population of over
2000 children below the age of 19yrs. Analysis of over 480 student assessments conducted by DN
Aquatics during the school swimming program 2015, reveals that 76% swim below the national
standard for like age.
Quality aquatic services are imperative in all aspects of social inclusion, health, wellbeing and
recreational and professional life (Aust. Institute of Health and Welfare and Australian Institute of
Family Studies, 2013). This notion is further endorsed in the Australian Government Closing the
Gap document Supporting Healthy Communities through Sports and Recreation Programs.
Viable aquatic facilities assure future growth. For example fully equipped facility that meets
minimum standards would see the development of sporting pathways and economic opportunities
in water polo, triathlon, swimming, aquathon.

Water polo
o Local and regional competitions
o Join O&M water polo association
Triathlon
o Tap into the Riverina triathlon series
o Rural regional series
o Initiate womens regional series
o Junior triathlon (regional, state, national via Triathlon Australia and Triathlon NSW)
o School Sports NSW series
o Challenge and Ironman events in the following:
Sprint distance
Olympic distance
Long course
ITU long course
Ultra distance
Swimming
o Victorian Country Championships
o NSW Speedo Sprint Championships
o School Sports NSW series

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o Proficiency Trials
o All Juniors Heats
o O&M Relay Championships
o O&M Championships
o Invitational Meets
o Masters Games
Aquathons
o Regional series
o State Championships
o Initiate the Corowa Classic

Case Studies:
1. Victorian Country Championships 2017
Corowa Swimming Club cannot apply to host the Victorian Country Championships due to the
current facility not meeting the minimum competition standards.
The opportunity lost to our regional centre as outlined by the O&M Swimming Association
expression of interest to clubs included:

700 competitors, 700 spectators, 100 officials over 3 days

Minimum $500,000 direct cash spend into local economy

Figure 15: Victorian Country Championships

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2. Triathlon
Triathlon is considered the fastest growing sport in Australasia (Triathlon Australia, 2016).
Corowa Shire currently doesnt have an adequate facility to support the development of triathlon
clubs at a grassroots level. This results in enormous untapped potential for the region. The Albury
Wodonga Triathlon Club for example, has over 400 members.

3. Opportunities lost
A 25m pool cannot sustain the following annual events, Corowa stands to lose:

The Corowa Triathlon an iconic regional event (attracting 150 local athletes plus athletes
of an elite international level per year)
Corowa Pennant annual regional swimming event (attracting minimum 650 patrons)
Associated regional swimming carnivals such as All Juniors Heats (420 patrons)
Corowa High School swimming carnival (350 students per year)
Corowa Public swimming carnival (180 students per year)
Corowa St Marys twilight swimming carnival (280 patrons)
The current inflatable amusements

Figure 17: Corowa Pennant 650 patrons

Figure 16: World class athlete Jesse Featonby
supporting sport at grass root level

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Health and Wellbeing

Health is like money, we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it
(Josh Billings)
The development of a comprehensive and varied aquatic facility will initiate a strategic and dynamic
response for the prevention and management of health related issues at a regional level. The
Australian Sports Commission nominated swimming as one of the top sports for health intervention
(Participation in Exercise, Recreation and Sport, 2010).
Griffith University provides compelling evidence for the links between swimming, cognitive function,
social cohesion and academic success (Early Years Swimming, Adding Capital to Young Australians,
2013).
People with disabilities deserve the opportunity of access to an inclusive and welcoming facility for
the management of physical and mental health and social wellbeing.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention cites the benefits of water-based activity specific to
the management of the following:

Chronic disease
Chronic illness particularly hydrotherapy for the management of both rheumatoid and
osteo arthritis
Mental illness including fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression, post-natal depression
Aged care falls prevention; reduced concussive impact, increases flexibility, core strength

To enhance the ongoing working relationship with Corowa Shire Council required to deliver this
innovative prospect for the Corowa region, we intend to create an integrated partnership with
Corowa Health and Wellbeing Committee, Corowa Drug Action Team and other health and wellbeing
specific organisations.
This proposal will be the stimulus for a cultural shift in our community, to stimulate our youth within
the social framework of a forward thinking and visionary regional centre. Engage young people in
drug and alcohol education including potential participation in the Australian government's new
action plan to tackle ice. This plan includes $24.9m to empower local communities and support local
families with a focus on supporting more than 1200 community sporting clubs (especially in rural,
remote and regional areas) to deliver prevention measures about ice.

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Ongoing financial viability

The financial objectives of the proposal are twofold:
1. A multifaceted facility designed for a wide variety of frameworks has more potential
avenues for funding
2. The operational vision is vibrant and exciting, catering to a range of needs, creating
diverse revenue stream sources, ensuring financial self-sustainability
A heated pool is an integral component of catering for community needs. In addition to the revenue
created through yearly memberships, the facility must provide other attractions, defining it is a
destination of choice for community and tourist patrons. This additional income will assist to sustain
the required staffing and maintenance costs, making a caf/food outlet a viable option for 12
months.
In the warmer months, an outdoor facility requires a point of difference to be a drawcard to the
region. It is envisaged that additional outdoor attractions will complement the heated pool and
splash park whilst building on the iconic ambience of the facility.
The current facility already operates close to capacity on key weekends. Any further fiscal prosperity
will be removed at the implementation of a 25m pool. Lateral income streams are produced with the
provision of a 50m competition standard pool to develop strong economic growth through tourism
and key regional events. These events have the potential to feed substantial revenue into other
businesses in the local community.
Initial rough calculations indicate the complex can be financially self-sustaining including ongoing
operational costs. This suggests potential to a commercial operator to lease the facilities under an
appropriate lease from council. The lease would ideally provide an annual financial dividend to
council, which would justify the construction expense.
In terms of construction costs we anticipate:

Financial commitment by Council

External government sourced grants
Private sector investment
Financial input from local and regional business
In kind services from local contractors

We have already canvassed many sources and have received considerable interest. By working
closely with Council we believe a joint council/community presentation strengthens the likelihood of
funding success.

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The effective removal of the pool from the lease of the adjoining Ball Park caravan park would align
the facility as a jewel within the crown of the local sporting precinct.

Building stronger communities

In the development of the Corowa Shire Delivery Program Report 2014 2018 community
consultations were undertaken and members of this community stated the following:

It is important that our community has the opportunity to be involved in decision making
processes
We believe that we should focus on attracting young families to our Shire to ensure that
our community is a place with strong social connections and opportunities
Our swimming pools are valued within our communities and we would like to continue to
advocate for the ability to upgrade and redevelop our facilities
As a community we understand the need for our community vision to be achieved
together, with increased focus on community driven initiatives

Figure 18: Community

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