Swimming Lake Masterplan Released for Comment

Consultation has concluded

A bold and refreshed vision for the Naracoorte Swimming Lake is now available for public comment through the release of the Draft Naracoorte Swimming Lake Masterplan 2023-2033.

The Naracoorte Swimming Lake is one of Council’s most prized assets and is a loved and valued experience for locals and visitors – and it is free.

In the 2021-2022 financial year, $30,000 was budgeted for the development of concept designs to help prepare a new Swimming Lake Masterplan. This work was undertaken by Council staff and a company called ‘Outer Space’ and the concepts are now available to view and are incorporated into the Masterplan document.

In March 2022, there was a community survey, asking people what they love and would like to see changed at the Naracoorte Swimming Lake. The Draft Masterplan has been prepared based on the ideas put forward by the community.

A total of 53 people provided feedback in writing and a total of 163 people accessed the consultation information via this engagement platform. From this process, a suite of new projects were identified by the community and all were included in the updated concept designs.

They include:

  • Splash park and playground
  • Café and seating area at the front of the kiosk
  • Modernise the amenities
  • Lap lanes section
  • Ramp access into the lake
  • BBQs and shelter with table setting
  • Hot showers (coin operated)
  • Exercise equipment area
  • Open play area for volleyball and other games
  • Disabled carpark and access ramps
  • Parking with line marking
  • Bollards
  • Pedestrian crossing
  • Extra irrigation
  • Install kerb to assist with parking and water run-off
  • Increase area inside the fencing for child supervision

All projects have been categorised into key project themes and deliverables, taking into account the Swimming Lake Asset Management Plan, which identifies upgrades and new projects to maintain the level of service and standard of the Swimming Lake. The key project areas for delivery are:

  • Quality Community Facilities and Infrastructure
  • Recreation and Physical Activity Development
  • Diverse Open Space
  • Tourism, Branding and Promotion
  • Serviceability and Maintenance

Through the initial survey, members of the community identified a desire to have a year-round swimming or aquatic facility. This idea is not part of the scope of the Swimming Lake Masterplan project and is aligned to the ongoing progress of the Naracoorte Regional Sports Centre. So, for now, this was noted but not considered in the Masterplan projects.

Forecasted costs for new Masterplan projects over the next 10 years total $2,314,068 with an estimated $2,889,061 expected for ongoing operational and maintenance costs (which Council already budgets for), and $300,000 for other asset upgrades; taking the projected total investment in the Naracoorte Swimming Lake until 2033 at $5,503,129.

New projects include $220,000 for upgrading shade, shelters and picnic areas (2023-2024), $350,000 for renovating the kitchen and café area (2024-2025), $170,000 in new trails and pathways (2025-2026), and $750,000 for a new splash-park and playground (2029-2031).

A new pump filtration system and bore upgrade are earmarked as part of the overall asset maintenance upgrades to be completed in 2027-2028 and estimated at $300,000 collectively.

Over the course of the 10 years, Council plans to fund the maintenance upgrades and new Masterplan projects with a mix of ongoing annual budgets, Council’s Long Term Financial Plan and sourcing external funding through a variety of State and Federal grant programs.

Phase two of the consultation is now open and members of the community can review the Draft Naracoorte Swimming Lake Masterplan and concepts and provide feedback and comment.

Community consultation is open from 24 August – 14 September.



A bold and refreshed vision for the Naracoorte Swimming Lake is now available for public comment through the release of the Draft Naracoorte Swimming Lake Masterplan 2023-2033.

The Naracoorte Swimming Lake is one of Council’s most prized assets and is a loved and valued experience for locals and visitors – and it is free.

In the 2021-2022 financial year, $30,000 was budgeted for the development of concept designs to help prepare a new Swimming Lake Masterplan. This work was undertaken by Council staff and a company called ‘Outer Space’ and the concepts are now available to view and are incorporated into the Masterplan document.

In March 2022, there was a community survey, asking people what they love and would like to see changed at the Naracoorte Swimming Lake. The Draft Masterplan has been prepared based on the ideas put forward by the community.

A total of 53 people provided feedback in writing and a total of 163 people accessed the consultation information via this engagement platform. From this process, a suite of new projects were identified by the community and all were included in the updated concept designs.

They include:

  • Splash park and playground
  • Café and seating area at the front of the kiosk
  • Modernise the amenities
  • Lap lanes section
  • Ramp access into the lake
  • BBQs and shelter with table setting
  • Hot showers (coin operated)
  • Exercise equipment area
  • Open play area for volleyball and other games
  • Disabled carpark and access ramps
  • Parking with line marking
  • Bollards
  • Pedestrian crossing
  • Extra irrigation
  • Install kerb to assist with parking and water run-off
  • Increase area inside the fencing for child supervision

All projects have been categorised into key project themes and deliverables, taking into account the Swimming Lake Asset Management Plan, which identifies upgrades and new projects to maintain the level of service and standard of the Swimming Lake. The key project areas for delivery are:

  • Quality Community Facilities and Infrastructure
  • Recreation and Physical Activity Development
  • Diverse Open Space
  • Tourism, Branding and Promotion
  • Serviceability and Maintenance

Through the initial survey, members of the community identified a desire to have a year-round swimming or aquatic facility. This idea is not part of the scope of the Swimming Lake Masterplan project and is aligned to the ongoing progress of the Naracoorte Regional Sports Centre. So, for now, this was noted but not considered in the Masterplan projects.

Forecasted costs for new Masterplan projects over the next 10 years total $2,314,068 with an estimated $2,889,061 expected for ongoing operational and maintenance costs (which Council already budgets for), and $300,000 for other asset upgrades; taking the projected total investment in the Naracoorte Swimming Lake until 2033 at $5,503,129.

New projects include $220,000 for upgrading shade, shelters and picnic areas (2023-2024), $350,000 for renovating the kitchen and café area (2024-2025), $170,000 in new trails and pathways (2025-2026), and $750,000 for a new splash-park and playground (2029-2031).

A new pump filtration system and bore upgrade are earmarked as part of the overall asset maintenance upgrades to be completed in 2027-2028 and estimated at $300,000 collectively.

Over the course of the 10 years, Council plans to fund the maintenance upgrades and new Masterplan projects with a mix of ongoing annual budgets, Council’s Long Term Financial Plan and sourcing external funding through a variety of State and Federal grant programs.

Phase two of the consultation is now open and members of the community can review the Draft Naracoorte Swimming Lake Masterplan and concepts and provide feedback and comment.

Community consultation is open from 24 August – 14 September.