After significant community consultation a decision has been made on the management and operation of swimming pools across the MidCoast region.
At Wednesday's ordinary Council meeting Councillors agreed there would be no change to operating hours and Bulahdelah, Krambach, Nabiac and Stroud will all remain unsupervised. Access will be controlled through an electronic entry system.
The cost of season membership at these pools for 2024-2025 will be $50 per adult (16+), $40 for concession holders and children under 16 will be free, as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
It was also agreed that the swimming season would coincide with eastern daylight savings time and there would be no change to the opening times of pools.
The review into the swimming pool operations revealed they are subsidised at around $2.55 million per year by the ratepayers and common themes heard from the community during the consultation period were that pools are important to the social, recreational, sporting, health and cultural community hubs. All of these themes have been taken into consideration during the process.
Tenders will shortly open for small operators and community groups interested in managing Wingham and Tea Gardens pools. There will be no additional changes to the Gloucester Pool.
Belgravia Leisure will take over the running of the Taree Aquatic Leisure Centre and the Great Lakes Aquatic Centre after Councillors announced the group was successful in their tender.
The new operator will retain all existing staff at both centres and continue to run both facilities with gym and aqua classes continuing.
Belgravia will roll over all current YMCA memberships for facility users.
The contract is for three years with the option for two additional one year extensions.
It is expected the contract will be in place for 1 July this year to allow transition from the current YMCA management.
Belgravia Leisure is a world-class aquatics provider, managing more than 160 swimming pools across Australia and New Zealand.
Community feedback does influence Council projects. You can stay involved and help shape Midcoast priorities.
Two important engagement projects currently include the Draft MidCoast LEP and the review of the Community Strategic Plan. Both of these plans will shape our future and we invite everyone to head to www.haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au to explore how to have your say.
