At the Ordinary Council Meeting on July 19, councillors voted in favour of allowing free entry into Adaminaby, Berridale, and Bombala swimming pools after councillor Sue HasIingden made a motion that council waive swimming pool fees on open pools in the district for one season to encourage the use of the facilities.

Ms Haslingden said council needed to encourage the use of the pool facilities in a move aimed at boosting the recreational opportunities for local families.

“Waiving pool fees in each of these towns will hopefully increase patronage, and ensure local families have further opportunities to enjoy recreational activities this summer,” Snowy Monaro Regional Council mayor, John Rooney, said.

“Snowy Valleys Council introduced free entry at their pools, and the feedback has been positive. When the time comes, and the weather is warmer, I’m sure there’ll be many families enjoying these pools.”

Initially in 2017/18 some Snowy Valley’s councillors had concerns, but at their council meeting on May 24, they identified the immeasurable outcome of having free access and voted to extend the no fee access.

Ms Haslingden said the aim was to not only increase social cohesion and active lifestyles but also increase the pools’ usage.

“Not having people use the pools for whatever reason, makes the pools an unused asset, building on the cost of supplying the asset,” she said.

The Bombala Pool will open for the 2018/19 summer season in November.