Campaspe residents call for alternate options to save outdoor pools

Councillors will meet tonight to vote on a proposal to close and decommission Colbinabbin, Lockington, Rushworth, Stanhope and Tongala pools at the end of the current outdoor pool season.

The Aquatic Services Review report in tonight's Campaspe Shire Council meeting agenda also recommends decommissioning the Kyabram and Rochester pools at the end of the 2024/25 pool season.

More news: Region's smaller hospitals continue to adapt through omicron case surge

Rochester Community House coordinator Amanda Logie said Campaspe Shire Council should be putting up alternative options to save the outdoor pools in the district.

"It's absurd to think that the only option being put forward is to close pools," she said.

"We should be pursuing options including the Golden Square Pool model and state and federal grant funding for the pools."

The Golden Square Pool was transferred into community hands after the City of Greater Bendigo Council voted in 2012 to close it - citing falling attendance numbers and high maintenance costs.

Residents formed a committee and were able to gain management of the pool and undertake a refurbishment at a much lower price than original estimates indicated would be necessary.

Golden Square Pool president Sam Kane said the facility was now entirely volunteer operated.

Buloke Shire Council received nearly $900,000 in federal government grant funding in September which it promptly earmarked to be spent on the maintenance of its pools and other assets.

The Campaspe Shire Council report has pointed to the age of the pools and associated cost of maintenance as key factors in its recommendation to close them.

"The main costs associated with running pools include staff, power, water, chemicals, asset maintenance, administration and supervision,'' it stated.

"There have been increases to entry fees over recent years, but these provide only minor offset against rising costs."

More news: Draft plan to end violence against women and children released

The report also said many people in the district were installing backyard pools and shunning shared facilities.

"The increase in private pool ownership has also impacted attendance at the public facilities,'' it stated.

"Council currently has 1823 registered pools, with an additional 600 awaiting registration (includes commercial pools). With a population of 37,675 that equates to one pool per 15 people."

The report recommends the council retain only the Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre (EWMAC) to "facilitate the delivery of learn to swim, school swimming programs and associated health and wellbeing programs and activities currently available at the centre".

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: