Update on Port Fairy indoor pool 16 February 2026

Published on 16 February 2026

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Council held ‘Have Your Say’ community engagement sessions for the Moyne Aquatic Facilities Strategy at various locations around the shire on 6-7 February 2026. We are grateful for the feedback received and appreciated people taking the time to attend. The survey is open until 2 March 2026.

At the session in Port Fairy, we heard many questions about the closure, the current status and future of the Port Fairy pool and gym facility. We acknowledge the strong feelings held by many in the community and share the disappointment and frustration about the current circumstances and thank those who shared their thoughts respectfully.  We do take this opportunity to ask that all forms of engagement are respectful and civil with Councillors and Council Staff.

We have heard the questions about the original closure of the pool due to mould and algae identified throughout the facility.

Council supported the Belfast Aquatics committee’s decision to voluntarily close the Port Fairy pool and fitness centre on 21 November 2025, noting the committee was not in a position to resolve the mould and algae issues.

On 16 January 2026, the facility came under Council’s care and control. Our obligations around managing the mould fall under the Public Health and Wellbeing (PHW) Act 2008.

Council’s obligations under the PHW Act 2008 apply to the whole facility, so areas such as the gym or fitness room unfortunately cannot be considered separately from the pool.

Council staff and contractors have continued to access the facility wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and as such the facility is being regularly monitored.

The comprehensive technical investigation announced by Council on 27 January 2026 will analyse all components of the facility to:

  • identify current defects, failures and compliance issues
  • assess structural integrity of building and roof elements
  • measure the extent, causes and remediation requirements for mould contamination
  • assess plant and equipment safety, compliance, condition and expected remaining life,
  • assess the pool shell, concourse and related structural components,
  • identify short-term rectification works to enable safe operation (if feasible),
  • identify and quantify the long-term renewal, upgrade or replacement requirements and
  • prepare lifecycle-based cost estimates covering ongoing maintenance costs, and capital renewal costs

This investigation and report will enable a thorough understanding of the current condition of the facility and enable informed decision-making both short and long term.

We will continue to regularly inform the community of next steps with the Port Fairy pool. Our next update will advise on the expert contractors to undertake this work, with dates on when we expect this information to be presented to Council.

We invite the community to find out more on the Frequently Asked Questions page about the Port Fairy pool on our website at www.moyne.vic.gov.au/Port-Fairy-pool-FAQ

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