General News
31 August, 2024
Plant failure could close ‘old pools’
MAJOR equipment failure would spell the end of Loddon swimming pools. Reports tabled at Tuesday’s Loddon Shire Council meeting hinted that “catastrophic failure” at ageing pools in Boort Inglewood, Mitiamo, Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn would...
MAJOR equipment failure would spell the end of Loddon swimming pools.
Reports tabled at Tuesday’s Loddon Shire Council meeting hinted that “catastrophic failure” at ageing pools in Boort Inglewood, Mitiamo, Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn would trigger investigation of future options.
“Rationalising the range of facilities will enable increased investment in those facilities that are worthy of having their asset life extended,” the social infrastructure strategy report said.
And the draft recreation and outdoor space strategy said council’s current spend on the pools was unsustainable.
Councillors were told $1.3 million would be needed over the next decade “to maintain the current aquatic service”.
“This funding only maintains the assets and does not provide any additional benefit to the community; or address ... accessibility and depth concerns with pools. The Pools do not meet current industry standards and are now over 50 years old.”
Councillors were told each pool visit cost the shire $47. Councillors were told shire last summer spent $711,067 at the five pools with total attendance 14,928.
The ROSA report suggests council “conduct close analysis and feasibility studies of individual pool locations.” Boort has the highest visitation across the shire’s pools, the other four have a low patronage.
“The council recognises that the Loddon Shire community value having access to swimming pool facilities and despite declining attendances there is strong support for them. Unfortunately, the high cost of swimming pools is placing considerable pressure on council’s capacity to fund them amongst other competing community and infrastructure needs. A strategic approach to addressing this issue is critical.”
Reports suggested council consider new operating models and used the Golden Square pool in Bendigo as an example with that pool now run by the community.
“Loddon Shire Council has also recently considered a proposed increased management fee by the current operator, whilst undesirable, represents market rates for pool management and operations.”
The pools have been managed by Belgravia Leisure for the past three seasons under a contract with more than $1.6 million.
The draft ROSA strategy says Loddon Shire is facing a health crisis and “we need creative ways to reverse this trend.
“There are high rates of dental health problems, smoking, and pre-obesity/obesity in the Loddon,” according to the report.
The draft strategy calls for a greater emphasis on non-traditional sports and activities, a cricket pitch at Donaldson Park and talks on the future of Korong Vale Recreation Reserve will be put out for public comment.