News

Victorian Government commits $3.95m to pool project

By Lua Ikenasio

Apr 24, 2026

Campaspe Shire active communities manager Kerrie Hawkes, Maree Traill, Cr Paul Jarman, Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes, Cr Tony Marwood and Rochester Swimming Club secretary Peter Romer. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Rochester residents have reached another major milestone in the redevelopment of their pool, with the Victorian Government committing $3.95 million to the project.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Victorian Treasurer and state Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes was in Rochester on Friday morning to make the announcement.

“The formal ask from council hit my desk six weeks ago, requesting a $3.95 million contribution from the state government,” she said.

“I give credit to council for taking the time to determine the type of project they wanted — one that is affordable and can be delivered for Rochester.

“They’ve done a fantastic job, which is why I’m here today with a commitment of almost $4 million for Rochester.”

State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Ms Symes added she would welcome support from the Federal Government.

"Campaspe Shire has committed a significant amount of funding for a small rural council. I'd love to see the Federal Government come on board, so this project can be delivered as soon as possible," she said.

The funding, to be included in the Victorian Budget 2026-27 set to be handed down on Tuesday, May 5, falls under the regional development portfolio.

The state government’s commitment marks a major step forward for the project, which has been in development since the pool was left damaged beyond repair after the 2022 floods.

Campaspe Shire Council representatives joined community members on Friday morning for the announcement.

Campaspe Shire Deputy Mayor Tony Marwood attended the announcement on Friday morning. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Deputy Mayor Tony Marwood said the funding was a major boost for the Rochester community.

“We’re over the moon, not just from a council point of view, but for the people of Rochester as well,” he said.

“It's more than a pool — it's a community place. Every time they drive past here, they're reminded of what they used to have, and now they can drive past here and look forward to what they can have in the future.”

For community members such as Rochester Swimming Club secretary Peter Romer, the funding announcement means one step closer to providing families with a safe place to swim.

In the absence of a pool, local schools have spent thousands of dollars sending students to Kyabram or Echuca to complete school swimming programs.

Concerns over children's safety has also been a major issue, with some kids opting to swim in dams and channels and others simply not able to learn the skill without access to a local pool.

Ms Symes speaking with community members and Campaspe Shire Council representatives before the announcement. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Mr Romer said it would be wonderful to have a pool in the community again.

“It'll be amazing, especially for the school kids. They (won’t) have to travel very far to do their school sports and swimming sports,” he said.

“To be able to have places where kids and grandparents and families can come in and have safe water play in summer time would be even better.”

Council strategic advocacy lead Randal Mathieson, who has been working behind the scenes over the past five months to secure funding, was also on site on Friday morning.

Mr Mathieson said the focus would now turn to securing funding from the Federal Government, with conversations already under way with Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters.

“We're super excited that we've got to this point. We're about two thirds funded now with council's $5 million and the state government's $3.95 million,” he said.

“That gives us amazing leverage now to talk to the Federal Government and hopefully, they can pitch in their $3.95 million.

“We have written formally to Lisa Chesters, and we did get a response saying that they've received that letter, and they'll be in touch post the May 12 budget.”