The online petition, hosted by change.org, says the pool has huge benefits and says residents should not have to use cars for recreation activities.

“It should not have to make a profit and should be funded by the City of Greater Bendigo,” the author says. 

“It provides summer activities for people of all ages and is used by many school groups. 

“The council gradually reduced the opening hours of the pool and then claimed low attendance figures.”

Five people have posted reasons for signing, with most listing fond childhood memories at the pool. 

But City of Greater Bendigo acting manager healthy communities Patrick Jess said there was little chance the pool, and the Long Gully pool, would reopen. 

“From an officer perspective, we won’t be recommending or approaching council to open the pool,” he said. 

“A decision has been made and we’re proceeding based on that. 

“There are other quality aquatic facilities people can use.”

Mr Jess said the costs of repairing, maintaining and operating the pools were too high. 

“Work is being undertaken to decommission the pools this week,” he said. 

“That will involve decommissioning pumps, filters and other equipment.” 

The land is owned by the state government. 

The council will seek public input on future uses of both sites and report back to the state government. 

Mr Jess said the pool water would either be left to evaporate or be discarded in some way.