“Silence has been deafening”: Pressure mounts on Moyne Shire over Port Fairy pool

A large community rally and a strongly worded open letter have pushed Moyne Shire Council to break its silence on the future of the closed Port Fairy pool, issuing its first public statement in weeks and confirming it has now taken full control of the facility.

What happened? More than 400 residents attended a rally on January 11, calling for urgent action to reopen the Belfast Aquatics pool and fitness centre. 

On Monday, the Port Fairy Community Pool Group released an open letter addressed to all Moyne councillors accusing elected representatives of failing to engage with the community, asking for council responses to multiple questions and making several statements.

“We are yet to hear from the council in regards to the Community questions that were asked at the Community Meeting held on December 11, and tabled at the [committee meeting] on December 16,” the open letter says.

The community pool group also asked for transparency from the council about the short-term and long-term plans for the pool, instead of planning the future of the pool “behind closed doors”, and reiterated the community's offer of expertise and physical support to get the pool open again”.

Fear and distrust: The pool group’s letter also notes “deep concern that Moyne Shire Councillors position will not reflect the wishes of the community”.

“We are offended by your lack of response to such an important issue,” it says, while also pushing for a dual-track approach.

“We see no reason why remedial works can’t be done and the pool be reopened as we work towards the long-term Aquatic Centre plan for the Shire.”

Council speaks up: Following days of mounting public pressure, council issued a statement on Tuesday, confirming the building has now been formally handed back to Moyne Shire following the expiry of Belfast Aquatics’ overholding lease on January 16.

Mayor Jordan Lockett said councillors and the CEO attended the rally and had “many letters and conversations” with residents in recent weeks.

• “We hear the concerns, and acknowledge the questions, frustration and sense of hurt many are feeling,” Lockett said in the statement.

Why the silence? Lockett said the council's lack of public commentary was due to legal and operational requirements tied to the handover process.

“While council has appeared silent in recent weeks, this has been out of respect for the formal handover process and the legal and operational requirements involved,” he said, noting councillors had received a “full debrief on the transition” the same day the lease concluded.

The council will now “consider all options” for the site and has committed to more transparent communication. 

Have your say: Residents will soon be able to make submissions online to the forthcoming Aquatic Facilities Strategy, which will guide future investment in community pools across the shire.

Months-long battle: The pool has remained closed since November 2025, when mould and structural issues were identified. 

No decision has been made on whether remediation will proceed, how it would be funded, or when the community may regain access.

The Port Fairy Community Pool Group has asked councillors to respond to questions raised in the letter by February 2 and has reiterated offers of financial, technical and volunteer support to assist with reopening.