Outdoor Pool Policy Updated to Enhance Community Experience

Published on 16 September 2024

OUTDOOR POOL POLICY UPDATED TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE

Southern Grampians Shire Council has introduced key changes to its Outdoor Pool Policy following the September Council meeting, aiming to better serve community needs while addressing operational challenges.

These updates, driven by community feedback and data from the 2023-24 pool season, are designed to improve the overall management and accessibility of the Shire’s outdoor pools.

Southern Grampians Shire Council CEO Tony Doyle noted Council’s commitment to providing a positive, safe, and reliable swimming experience for all residents.

“These changes reflect our focus on community input and data-driven decisions, ensuring that we’re meeting the needs of our residents while balancing operational demands and providing facilities that everyone can enjoy.”

Key changes include:

• A new temperature threshold. The threshold for opening has now been standardised across all Council pools at 23°C. Attendance data showed a significant drop in visitors when pools drop below this temperature.
• On weekends from February through to the March long weekend, when the temperature is over 35°C, all pools will now open 12.00pm to 7:00pm. This recommendation arises out of the question around opening hours of pools, particularly outside the standard operating hours when the temperature is over 35 degrees. In the previous policy, this extension of hours on high temperature days applied on weekends only and only
•  throughout January.
• Following feedback, Council have added a flexible end date to the season. Pools may remain open beyond the March long weekend depending on weather conditions and lifeguard availability.
• Early morning swimming sessions will now be held two day a week instead of three at both the Hamilton and Coleraine Outdoor swimming pools to reflect lower attendance at these sessions and issues staffing at these times.

“These updates highlight our focus on ensuring that our outdoor pools remain a valuable and enjoyable resource for the community,” Mr Doyle added. “We’ve listened to feedback and tailored our services to make the most of the facilities while addressing the operational realities of running multiple pools.”

Council looks forward to a fantastic summer season at our outdoor pools.

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