Dimboola Swimming Pool Upgrade Funding Challenges and Next Steps

Published on 22 July 2026

Dimboola Pool.png

Hindmarsh Shire Council met with members of the Dimboola community on Monday 20 July 2026 to provide an update on the Dimboola Swimming Pool Upgrade Project, including the outcome of the recent tender process, the project's funding position, and Council's proposed pathway forward.

Council has advised the Dimboola community that while the Dimboola Swimming Pool Upgrade remains a high priority project and significant planning and design work has been completed, the recent tender process confirmed that project costs now exceed the available $1.4 million budget. Council is therefore seeking to retain the existing $1 million Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) grant while pursuing additional funding opportunities to enable the project to be delivered in the future.

The Dimboola Swimming Pool Upgrade project is aimed at improving accessibility and increasing recreation opportunities for Dimboola residents and the wider community. Planned improvements include installation of an all-abilities accessible ramp for the 50-metre pool, wet deck conversion, balance tank and hydraulic upgrades, concrete concourse improvements, plant room upgrades and plumbing renewal works.

Council provided details of the project budget, including a $1 million grant from SRV, with Council’s contribution bringing the total project budget to approximately $1.4 million. The successful funding application enabled Council to progress from concept planning through detailed design and tender preparation.

At the meeting, Council explained that the outcome of the recent tender process had confirmed a significant funding shortfall, with conforming tender submissions exceeding the available project budget. Several factors contributed to the higher costs, including:

  • significant construction cost escalation across the industry, with tenderers reporting input cost increases of up to 30% over the past 12 months;
  • additional refurbishment works identified through detailed design investigations which were not fully known when the original concept estimate was prepared; and
  • additional plumbing and hydraulic system works required to ensure the upgraded facility performs reliably over its intended life.

Council reassured attendees that the extensive work undertaken to date provides a strong foundation for future funding applications and a potential future tender process.

Council advised the community that it is currently working with SRV to place a hold on the $1 million grant while further funding opportunities are explored. This includes preparing for the upcoming Federal Government Growing Regions Fund and advocating for additional project support ahead of the November State election.

Hindmarsh Shire CEO Monica Revell said that while Council is disappointed with the current position, it remains hopeful that the existing funding commitment will provide strong support for efforts to secure the additional funding required to complete the pool upgrade.

“Importantly, this funding setback won’t affect the upcoming summer pool programs for the 2026/2027 season, with the pool still able to operate business as usual,” Ms Revell said. “The design engineer assisting Council with this project has advised that the Dimboola Pool has a useful operational life of around 10 to 15 years, so there is no impact to programming in the short term.”

Ms Revell said Council remains committed to working towards the best possible outcome for the community.

"We understand the importance of the Dimboola Swimming Pool to our community and appreciate the strong interest shown during the information session. While the tender outcome was disappointing, Council remains committed to securing a viable pathway forward and will continue to pursue every reasonable funding opportunity available."

Council thanked community members for their attendance, feedback, and ongoing support of the project and will continue to provide updates as further information becomes available.

For more information, please contact Simon Landrigan, Manager Project Management Office on (03) 5391 4444 or email slandrigan@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer

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