Shoalhaven City Council has released information on the prohibitive cost of running two 50-metre pools within 3km of each other, at Nowra and at Bomaderry.
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“Benchmarking and planning have identified that maintaining two 50-metre heated outdoor pools within 3km of each other is financially unsustainable,” a council press release stated.
“Throughout NSW local government areas benchmarking has shown that there are few councils that have invested so heavily in aquatic and leisure facilities at the same level as the Shoalhaven.”
The Shoalhaven has 12 swimming pool facilities including two sea pools, 7x25m pools, two leisure pools and water play parks, seven toddlers pools, one hydrotherapy pool and five 50m pools.
The Bomaderry Aquatic Centre 50-metre outdoor swimming pool is nearing the end of its serviceable life.
Shoalhaven Councillor Mitchell Pakes had asked council to investigate the cost of building a 50m indoor pool at Bomaderry to replace the outdoor pool, instead of the 25m pool planned.
The cost difference to the Shoalhaven ratepayer in building a 25-metre indoor pool and a 50-metre indoor pool is approximately $7million with $240,000 in additional annual operating costs.
“We are planning for the Shoalhaven’s future and to operate two 50-metre pools within 3km does not make a good business case in protecting the ratepayer dollar and in keeping both pools sustainable,” Finance, Corporate and Community Services director Craig Milburn said.
“We are not trying to close the pool down, rather replace it with better infrastructure so it can be enjoyed by more people and last longer.
“The inclusion of aquatic leisure and play facilities for young children and families is a growing trend.
“Our aim is to achieve a holistic sports precinct that caters for all sports, brings jobs to our community and new services such as hydrotherapy, better athletics tracks and a modern facility.”
Cr Pakes said the decision is not in the hands of council staff, rather, councillors.
“I’m disappointed by the press release,” he said.
“If it's going to cost extra money, it's money well spent, it's a project that will serve the city for the next 60 years.
“Do we skimp and save money when a 25m pool won’t be able to provide the same service?”