Accessibility improvements to have big impact at Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre

The Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre (BALC) is about to become even more accessible and inclusive thanks to a joint project between the State Government and City of Ballarat.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson was joined at the centre on Tuesday by Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison MP to announce the $997,000 accessibility upgrade.

The project will see a number of improvements led by the addition of two Changing Places facilities, along with two other accessible and sensory friendly family change rooms at BALC.  

Doors will also be upgraded to automatic sliding doors for other accessible change rooms, group fitness studios and the health club, as well as an automatic swing door on the ramp to the café.  

Installation of automatic entry gates to replace existing turnstiles will complete the project, which is made possible with a $748,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund and $249,000 from the City of Ballarat.

Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said this project was about providing easy access to the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre for the whole community.

“Ballarat is an inclusive city where diversity is not only accepted but welcomed and celebrated,” he said.

“Figures show about one in six people live with disability. There are around 19,000 people with disability in Ballarat and more than 6,000 people with severe or profound disability live in our municipality.  

“The City of Ballarat proudly strives to ensure everyone can participate in everyday activities and these significant upgrades at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre will go a long way towards meeting our commitments.

“I’d like to thank the State Government for their support of this important project.”

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison said the funding would enhance accessibility at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre.

“Changing Places facilities enable community members with high support needs to access facilities and remove barriers to their participation. This funding is all about inclusivity and puts out the welcome mat for everyone to enjoy access to the pools at the Aquatic Centre,” she said.

“Funding for two Changing Places facilities at the BALC will make it easier and convenient for people with disabilities to enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy and swimming”.

Aquatic and Leisure Services manager Gerald Dixon said the announcement of successful funding for the project was a terrific result for the entire community.

“In early 2021, I asked the Ballarat City Council’s Disability Advisory Committee what their experiences at the aquatic centre were like,” he said.

“Their brutal honesty and ongoing feedback on design concepts directly led to this successful bid and a transformation in the way Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre approaches accessibility.”

The BALC Changing Places upgrade project is another example of the City of Ballarat’s commitment to delivering a better Ballarat.