Multi-Million Dollar Aquatic Centre Opens In Gippsland

The new Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (GRAC) in Traralgon will open on Thursday, providing a world-class health and fitness facility for families across the region.

Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today officially opened the $57 million facility – the centrepiece of the

Andrews Labor Government’s $85 million Latrobe Valley Sports and Community Initiative.

The centre caters for competitive swimming and training, leisure swimming, general community use and major events. It includes an eight-lane, 50-metre indoor pool with seating for 500 spectators, an indoor water play zone, two large water slides, a learn-to-swim pool, a cafe and retail precinct and a 25-metre heated outdoor pool.

Visitors can relax using a range of health and wellbeing facilities including a warm water therapy pool, spa, sauna and steam rooms, a wellness centre and a gymnasium with group fitness rooms.

In a boost for the local economy, more than 500 workers contributed over 100,000 hours of labour on-site, providing ongoing work during the coronavirus pandemic.

The project has been delivered by the Latrobe Valley Authority in partnership with Latrobe City Council, with an $8 million dollar investment from Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Community Sports Infrastructure Loan Scheme.

The centre will open to the public from 6:00am on Thursday, 25 March, with public health arrangements in place to ensure social distancing can be maintained for everyone’s safety. For more information, visit grac.ymca.org.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas

“We are extremely pleased to have helped make the community’s vision a reality – it will be a great asset for the Valley.”

“Whether it’s swimming lessons for the kids or elite competition, the new centre is a huge win for the community – creating jobs and attracting visitors from across the region.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“We are so proud to continue our support for the Latrobe Valley. Now that the GRAC is open, the well-being and community benefits, competitive advantages and calendar of elite sporting events will continue to drive pride of place, improved health outcomes, and economic growth across the region.”

Quote attributable to Latrobe City Mayor Cr Sharon Gibson

“This world-class centre puts Latrobe City on the map when it comes to swimming and leisure facilities, major aquatic events and the use of geothermal energy, and stands as a testament to community spirit.”