Outdoor Pools new operating model
Wellington Shire Council has approved adjustments to the operating models for its six seasonal outdoor pools, following a detailed review and community consultation process. These changes, aimed at ensuring the sustainability and efficient use of Council's services, will take effect for the 2024/25 summer season.
The proposal to alter the current operating model were the last item on Tuesday Sept 3 agenda and was the most hotly debated.
Councilor Gayle Maher moved that the adjustments to operating models be approved with amendments to the original proposal which had been posted in the agenda last Friday.
The original proposal saw Free swim days at Rosedale Pool to try and boost the lower attendance rates at that pool.
It also included the proposed changes to Yarram Pool put forward by the recently formed Pool User Group.
Cr. Mahers amendment was to make ‘all pools have a free swim day Friday.
Cr Tatterson opposed the motion with the amendments and told council the thought that this amendment should be place on the table and discussed as a separate item.
Mr Tatterson was happy with guaranteed hours. Suggested all pools open on November 25 for 18 week season. “Yarram is now treated as special, they have been given higher access to pool than Maffra. Figures from last year indicate Yarram had lower attendance than was stated at Maffra,” he said. Mr Tatterson indicated that Maffra could feel hard done by. “It doesn’t seem fair,” he said
Cr McKenzie said that the amendment had not been part of the council workshops in August.
“Two weeks ago ideas were put forward with $30,000 as the cost to implement the changes. I think No 3 (the amendment) should be taken out and discussed at a later date,” he said “This would be a considerable cost over the season, we are not transparent at this stage, the proposal of free days for all pools needs to be costed.”
Councilor Stephens supported the proposal with an amendment. I am happy to trail and request the new council look at the outcomes at the end of the season,” he said.
Cr Rossetti spoke on behalf of the motion with amendments. “We have challenges with pools, challenges with running pools and I appreciate they all should be treated equally. Yarram has chosen to close two days during the off-peak season in their model.
“This trial can indicate how to go forward, It will be a great trial and give council good information,” he said.
2024/25 swim season details
For the outdoor pools across the Shire, Council has updated the operating model to better align with community preferences and maximise accessibility. Outdoor pools in Heyfield, Stratford, Maffra, and Sale (Aqua Energy) will now be open every day throughout the 15-week summer season, regardless of temperature, ensuring consistent availability for residents. Additionally, on days when the forecast predicts high temperatures, pools will extend their operating hours to allow more time for recreational and lap swimming.
Across all regional pools, the new operating model will ensure that facilities are open daily throughout the season, with operating hours extended on days when the temperature is forecast to reach 24 degrees or higher. The current 25-degree temperature trigger, which has been a point of contention among the community, will drop to 24 degrees for the upcoming season. The 15-week season will now conclude later in the year to better accommodate community feedback.
The Yarram Outdoor Pool will see a tailored operating model introduced, reflecting the specific needs and circumstances of the Yarram community.
In recognition of ongoing low patronage levels at the Rosedale Outdoor Pool, Council has decided to trial a free Friday entry and a reduced 10-week season for the 2024/25 summer. This trial, running from December to February, will assess community interest and determine whether the current service levels are justified. Additionally, free entry on Fridays will be extended to all outdoor pools across the Shire, encouraging greater community engagement and usage.
Mayor Ian Bye said in a media release on Wednesday "Visitation across our outdoor pools is one of Council’s most heavily subsidised services. We invest in these facilities because we understand their importance, especially to our smaller communities. However, it’s crucial that we regularly assess these services to ensure that our resources are being used effectively and are directed towards areas where they truly meet community needs and provide the greatest value."
These changes reflect Council’s commitment to providing reliable and accessible leisure services that meet the diverse needs of local communities while maintaining a sustainable approach to resource management. Council will continue to monitor the outcomes of these changes to ensure that they meet community needs while maintaining the financial and operational sustainability required of outdoor pools.
