General News
4 June, 2026
Hopetoun pool upgrade begins
Long-awaited upgrade works have finally started at the Hopetoun Swimming Pool, with demolition beginning on May 18, as excavators moved in to prepare the site for major improvements.
Hopetoun Swimming Pool president Patti Thomas said the community had waited about two years since receiving funding for the project.
“We did get a sport and recreation grant from the Victorian government,” she said.
The project is expected to cost about $1.5 million, with $1.3 million funded through a State Government sport and recreation grant.
Contributions from Yarriambiack Shire Council and the local community will cover the remaining cost.
Ms Thomas said the upgrade would deliver important improvements to accessibility and pool infrastructure.
“We’re having an extra change room put on for disabled access,” she said.
“We’re going to have a ramp put in down to the pool for disabled access into the pool.”
The works will also include repairing cracks and leaks, relining the pool, removing the existing sides, and installing a wet deck area around both the main and smaller pools.
As part of the project, the pool will be reduced from 30 metres to 25 metres due to design and cost considerations.
Ms Thomas said contractors had indicated the upgrade should be completed by mid-November, in time for the start of the 2026-27 pool season.
“That’s their plan,” she said.
“They’ve done a lot of work in the last two weeks.”
She said the community was excited to see the pool upgraded after years of waiting.
“It’s going to look lovely when it’s finished, and it’ll be great for the community,” Ms Thomas said.
Ms Thomas also thanked Yarriambiack Shire Council and residents for helping make the project possible.
“We wouldn’t have got it done without the help of the Yarriambiack Shire and the contribution of the locals,” she said.
She said the pool had strong support from people of all ages, and the new ramp would make it easier for senior swimmers and people with disability to access the water.
Ms Thomas said she hoped the improved facilities would attract more swimmers when the pool reopened.
“I think we will attract new and more swimmers after the completion of the upgrades,” she said.
“Come and enjoy our pool when it’s finished.”