Contemporising the MAC

Aquatic and leisure centres are important community spaces that contribute to the health and well-being of users and to the overall community. They have evolved over time from humble outdoor swimming pools to fully integrated community health and wellbeing spaces.

Since Council's aquatic facility - Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre (the MAC) - was built in 2006, aquatic facilities have changed significantly, acting more as community destinations and meeting points for a range of physical and social activities - not just a place to take a dip.

The Maribyrnong Aquatic Strategy, endorsed by Council at a meeting on 12 December 2023, confirms the MAC as the sole Council-owned facility our municipality needs, but recognises it is not only aging physically but is also dated in terms of delivering on leisure, recreation, adventure, and therapy aspirations of community's today.

The areas below where there is a tick are the ones the MAC is generally servicing well, a cross indicates the markets where there is work to do.

In recent years Council has invested in upgrades to the foyer and reception, change rooms and amenities, at the MAC, and a new indoor water play/splash pad and water slides are currently under construction.

But for the MAC to be the sole contemporary aquatic leisure centre in the municipality, as confirmed in the Maribyrnong Aquatic Strategy, an expanded focus is needed on therapy and wellness, as well as education and recreation to deliver things like:

• wellness and meeting rooms
• warm water pool
• roman spa
• learn to swim program pool
• indoor and outdoor water play
• outdoor gym

These additional infrastructure upgrades are identified in the endorsed MAC Master Plan.