A Bemboka community group has raised concerns over a draft report on the region’s swimming pools by a multinational planning consultancy firm.
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Friends of Bemboka Pool say they are “disturbed” by the recommendations surrounding the council-managed pool provided by Otium Planning Group.
Among other recommendations, the draft report offers the idea of closing the ageing council-managed pool.
Group member Helmut Eder acknowledged the draft report did not necessarily reflect the position held by council staff or councillors, but said its analysis was flawed and should be considered with care.
“We sincerely hope that council sees through this report and does not follow its recommendations with respect to Bemboka Pool, but rather considers the pool as the important public health and recreation facility that it is, supported by a vibrant and energetic community group,” he said.
“Instead, we would urge council to strengthen this asset for the future.”
Mr Eder also emphasised the quickly growing Bemboka Triathlon event as significant to the town.
The draft report states a “downward trend in patronage” despite a spike in attendance in the 2012/13 season of 7740, more than twice the seasonal average for the pool.
“With respect to Bemboka Pool, the Otium report only considers the last three seasons of pool operation, the first of which saw the abrupt pool closure mid-season,” Mr Eder said, adding Bemboka was also only open for four hours a day, which resulted in lower attendance figures for the period.
“At only five per cent of the annual aquatic facilities budget and an annual cost of approximately $2 per shire resident, Bemboka pool is in absolute terms by far the cheapest pool to run in the shire.”
Mr Eder said the shire’s main three pools – Bega, Eden and Sapphire Aquatic Centre – account for approximately $750,000 annually, “more than 10 times the annual operating cost of Bemboka pool which services a community more than 50km from the coast”.
Bemboka had one of the highest levels of community feedback in the Shire behind Bega and Cobargo.
“The pool is a great facility for this small community,” one respondent said.
Many respondents were critical of the pool’s open hours, insufficient shade, the pool condition and the cost of entry.
“The season ticket is so expensive for the short hours and it can’t be used elsewhere,” a respondent said.
Mr Eder supported this concern, saying that while a half-year family swimming membership at the Sapphire Aquatic Centre costs swimmers $227, the same pass for Bemboka swimmers is more costly, at $296.
“The Otium report does not mention the fact that Bemboka residents have to pay the same or more for both single entry or season passes as other council pools, while being offered significantly reduced facilities and availability,” Mr Eder said.
The draft report does mention the group is willing to raise funds from the community to help repair and maintain the pool and its “crumbling walls” and does also recommend “replacing it with a larger pool”.
It also recommends a new shower block, pumps, pool basin, solar heating and extending opening hours.
The decision on the pool’s future will sit with a new council after September’s election, council’s Manager for Leisure and Recreation John Grady said.
Mr Grady said the report is necessary as council “considers its long term financial strategy” and priorities.
“It presents the information in a consistent and measured way to enable review and comparison when thinking about aquatic facilities into the future, and considering the best options,” he said.
The community reacted strongly in 2014 when council spending on the Sapphire Aquatic Centre was announced ahead of much-needed repair work to the Bemboka Pool following an on-site chlorine leak.
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