Campaspe Shire Council has approved a number of changes to the opening of its seven outdoor pools for the upcoming summer season.
Mayor Chrissy Weller said the changes focus on meeting increasing community usage of pools and operating needs, including changes to fees charged, opening hours and the use by schools.
"One of the main changes, which I am sure the community will welcome, is free admission to all seven outdoor pools for the 2022/23 season," Cr Weller said.
"Pool usage at some of our pools has declined across a number of years, and we would like to see if this is a direct result of the entry charge.
In approving free entry, Council has acknowledged the loss of income, indicative at $88,000.
Other changes approved include:
Operational hours
School term Weekdays 4pm to 8pm and Weekends 1pm to 8pm
School holidays Weekdays 1pm to 8pm and Weekends 1pm to 8pm
Noting that any early morning opening hours will not change.
Opening date
Saturday, 26 November
Noting that a slightly later opening date may reduce the number of days the pool is closed due to the weather being below 25 degrees.
Council also approved changes to school groups using outdoor pools.
"If the request requires the operating hours to be varied, and no additional operating cost is incurred by Council, the school would pay no additional charges for a maximum of ten days," the Mayor added.
"Otherwise, a set fee of $6 per person would apply to school groups using outdoor pools to deliver their own Learn to Swim programs, again for a maximum of ten days."
Further evaluation will be completed at the end of the outdoor pool season to fully understand the impacts of the changes, prior to consideration for future swim seasons.
