General News
6 June, 2023
Pool study still to start: plans progressing
PLANS for a study into the future of Loddon pools and recreation areas are still to be finalised. Council announced the study in January 2022 at the height of community concern for the five local swimming pools as a state-wide shortage of lifeguards...
PLANS for a study into the future of Loddon pools and recreation areas are still to be finalised.
Council announced the study in January 2022 at the height of community concern for the five local swimming pools as a state-wide shortage of lifeguards impacted opening days.
The study was to have started last July but wellbeing director Wendy Gladman said on Monday: “The recreation open space and aquatic study has not yet commenced.
“The final stages of planning are being completed. The commencement of this work has been delayed as the community support team actively support council’s flood recovery activities and delivery of other community projects.”
Council last year said the strategy was needed to help meet community’s contemporary recreational, open space and aquatic needs, by considering current and future needs of residents at all ages and stages of life, the upgrade and renovation needs of the existing pools, recreation reserves and parks, council’s long-term financial sustainability, and future population trends.
“This strategy will replace the recreation strategy, open space strategy and swimming pool improvement plan and will combine these into one document that will strategically support the provision of quality recreation, leisure and open space facilities and services across the shire.
“The aquatic component of the strategy will review available swimming pool attendance data over time (including the current season) to understand user trends.
“The strategy will also analyse the condition of our swimming pool facilities and provide strategic action recommendations to ensure our aquatic facilities are fit for purpose, are efficient to operate and maintain and are best positioned to increase use,” council said.
Mitiamo Progress Association last month told councillors retention of the town’s swimming pool built by volunteers in the 1960s was a top priority in the new 10-year town plan.
Belgavia Leisure, manager of the five Loddon pool, had reported an increase in use last season.
“We had 11 community groups make use of the pools this season and 28 events were held across the shire with movie nights, including Mitiamo’s first on the back of community feedback,” the company said in March.