The Barossa Council has postponed consultation on future regional aquatic services following extensive testing of the Nuriootpa Swimming Pool shell, which has provided updated information on its condition.
"Fortunately the additional testing we were able to carry out shows the pool shell is in better condition than previously advised," said Mayor Bim Lange.
It's expected to be serviceable for another 11-plus years, which supports the case for Council's future ongoing maintenance of this much-loved facility.
Council will continue to maintain current levels of service at the pool until such time as the cost outweighs community benefit.
It's welcome news for members of the community who lobbied strongly to retain the pool during the 2020-21 swim season and beyond.
"We heard the sentiment from some people in the community who feel passionately about their local war memorial pool, and the health and wellbeing benefits it provides," Mayor Lange said.
Meanwhile, the engineering report recommended Council investigate replacement of the Williamstown Pool in the next five to 10 years as it nears the end of its serviceable life.
"It's timely that we have this engineering assessment, as Williamstown Pool forms part of the next stage of masterplanning for Queen Victoria Jubilee Park as part of The Big Project," said Mayor Lange.
He stressed Council remains committed to ensuring aquatics facilities and services are matched to community needs.
"At this stage we have simply postponed immediate consultation on future aquatics services, but we remain committed to a long-term strategy for regional aquatics, which will be considered by a future term of Council," Mayor Lange said.
Council replaced the Nuriootpa pool filtration pods ahead of the current 2021/22 season and has also resolved to undertake an electrical capacity assessment of the pool, to be funded from the 2021-22 operational budget.
"Whilst the filtration upgrades have ensured we can maintain water quality and we have reassurance around the medium-term integrity of the shell, we are also aware many other elements of the pool infrastructure need to work to allow the pool to operate safely and efficiently," said Mayor Lange.
"We encourage everyone to get out and support their community pools during the current warm weather to reinforce the importance of the investment Council is making to provide multiple ways to stay fit and healthy outdoors."
View the December Council report, commencing page 452: Agenda of Ordinary Council Meeting - Tuesday, 21 December 2021
