Community
11 February, 2026
Pool to remain closed
COBDENHEALTH has announced the Rodney Grove Aquatic Centre will remain closed after significant structural and financial issues were identified during the facility’s maintenance shutdown.
“After close inspection of the empty pool and its associated plant, we have become aware that the pool is unsafe to return to service until significant major works have been carried out,” Cobdenhealth board chair Duncan Morris said.
The centre was closed for scheduled maintenance before Christmas 2025, during which time a series of detailed inspections revealed the scope of required works is far more substantial than originally anticipated.
What began as remedial maintenance quickly uncovered major underlying infrastructure issues, resulting in the need for extensive repairs to ensure the facility can safely operate.
The costs required to return the centre to a safe and functional condition are significant, a full assessment having confirmed the need for immediate critical capital works totalling $250,000.
“It is not only the capital cost of the remedial works which are of concern,” Mr Morris said.
“There are also annual operational losses of $50,000 every year, and our consultant’s report has indicated our ageing pool will require ongoing preventative maintenance expenditure of around $116,000 every year into the future.
“As an organisation whose primary function is the delivery of excellent aged care to residents in the facility as well as people in their own homes, we do not have funds available to sustain the pool.”
Over an extended period, Cobdenhealth has explored every available opportunity to keep the facility open, including discussions with external operators, the Corangamite Shire and consideration of alternative management models.
Despite these efforts no option has been identified which would reduce Cobdenhealth’s financial risk due to its continuing operation of the aquatic centre.
Given these challenges, the board has resolved the Rodney Grove Aquatic Centre will remain closed unless sufficient funding is secured to address the critical works and a clear, long-term financial path forward is established.
As Western District Newspapers reported in June last year, Cobdenhealth has previously reduced hours at the pool in an attempt to recoup huge financial losses from the cost of operating at a deficit.
This resulted in community backlash as the Rodney Grove Aquatic Centre is the only heated indoor pool in Corangamite Shire which people rely on for exercise and injury recovery.
The Friends of Rodney Grove Aquatic Centre was a committee formed to support membership drives and fundraising for the centre, but it wasn’t enough to save the centre from ongoing financial loss.
Cobdenhealth acknowledges the community’s concerns and disappointment, particularly from those who rely on the facility for recreation, health and social connection.
These concerns have been carefully considered throughout the process.
Cobdenhealth is appealing to the broader community to consider what the loss of the Rodney Grove Aquatic Centre would mean to them.
“We really need the community to dig deep and support us in our goal of re-opening the centre as soon as possible,” Mr Morris said.
“We also need the wider community, especially those who have not previously used the pool or the gym, to consider taking out a membership to assist in its ongoing sustainable operation.
“If another ten percent of Cobden’s population took out a full membership it would lead to a much brighter financial future for the pool and gym.”