HEPBURN Shire Council has resolved to waive entry fees to its pools for the 2019-20 season.
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The decision to allow residents to enter the Daylesford, Clunes and Trentham pools for free during the trial was made for a number of reasons.
The number of people using the shire's swimming pools dropped in the 2018-19 season compared to previous years and council received a number of complaints about the state of the facilities.
As a result council has injected $97,000 into maintenance of the facilities, employment of lifeguards as council staff, increased events and a junior lifeguard program.
The trial will result in a loss of income of $50,439 for the council but mayor Don Henderson said the decision was made to not only increase patronage at the pools but to promote better health and well-being outcomes for the community.
"An important consideration in providing free entry to pools was removing the cost barrier that prevents some families from enjoying these facilities," he said.
"We look forward to a busy pool season, and hope the community take advantage of the free entry, getting active in these important community spaces."
Lane hire, swimming lessons, exclusive use bookings and bookings to use the facilities outside of operational hours will still require payment.
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