Published: 18 December 2023
PUBLIC POOLS: USE THEM OR LOSE THEM
Enjoy Budget-Friendly Swimming at Local Public Pools This Holiday Season
This holiday, there is good news for everyone who loves a swim but worries about their skills. Local public pools are a safe and fun place to be, generally much safer than swimming in rivers or the sea. Plus, many are available free or low cost these holidays.
Councils around Australia are making it easier for you to enjoy a swim this festive season. They are offering reduced entry fees, and some are even letting you in for free over the Christmas and New Year period. These initiatives are aimed at ensuring everyone in the community can enjoy these facilities.
Did you know that nearly nine out of ten Australians live within a short drive of a public pool? There are over 2,100 of these pools across the country. They are not just great for a swim; they also play a big role in keeping us healthy, bringing people together, and they contribute a lot to our economy - over $9 billion a year. So, using these pools more will benefit everyone.
RJ Houston from Royal Life Saving says these pools are crucial. "Public pools are vital for individuals and the community," he explains. "It is important that we make everyone aware of how essential these pools are and keep them accessible and affordable. This will encourage more people to use them."
But there is a challenge ahead. According to research from Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, about 500 public pools are ageing and will soon need major repairs or replacement. This is going to be an expensive task.
Houston warns, "By 2030, about 40% of public pools will be too old to use properly, and we will need about $8 billion to replace them. Communities across Australia need to use these pools as much as they can now, or risk losing them."
In Queensland's far north, Townsville City Council is heeding the call to make swimming pools more accessible by offering free entry to their public pools until 24 December 2023.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said she was excited to announce the free entry initiative.
"I know that almost everyone in Townsville wants to be in a pool right now. The mercury is soaring, and there's no better time for Council to offer free entry to our public pools," said Cr Hill.
"Our free entry will cover individual and family entry for adults, children, concessions and spectators but won't cover swimming lessons, group bookings like birthday parties, aqua aerobics or multi-pass entries.
"Council takes a lot of pride in working with its lessees to deliver our public pools to Townsville, and I know this free pool period will be well received by the community."
Queensland’s capital city is also helping residents access its pools, with Brisbane City Council offering $2 Summer Dips.
“With summer officially here, we want residents to make the most of Council’s 22 pools and our $2 Summer Dips,” said Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. “Dropping the general admission fee to pools across the suburbs will relieve some of the cost pressures associated with the summer break and allow residents to get out and enjoy our fantastic outdoor lifestyle on a budget.
“I’m confident this initiative will encourage residents of all ages to get active, cool down and have some affordable fun at our pools this summer. Importantly, there’s no limit; residents can go as often as they like to their local pool and continue to save.”
Visit your local council's website to find out if free or discounted entry for swimming pools is available in your area.
Example participating councils:
- Ararat Rural City: free entry at all outdoor pools for the 2023-24 summer, including Ararat Olympic Outdoor Swimming Pool, Lake Bolac Peter O'Rorke Memorial Swimming Pool and Willaura Outdoor Memorial Pool.
- Alice Springs Town Council: free entry 16 December – 28th January at Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
- Brisbane City Council: $2 entry to 22 public pools from December 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024.
- City of Sydney: offered free access to six (6) of its public pools on Saturday 9th December 2023.
- Campaspe Shire Council: free entry to outdoor pools for the 2023-24 season. This includes the Colbinabbin, Kyabram, Lockington, Rushworth, Stanhope, and Tongala outdoor pools.
- Central Goldfields Shire Council: free entry at the Dunolly and Talbot outdoor pools from Saturday 2 December 2023 to Monday 11 March 2024.
- Murrindindi Shire Council: free entry to its swimming pools for the 2023-24 season. This includes pools at Alexandra, Eildon, Marysville, and Yea.
- Shire of Mitchell: free entry for casual recreation swimming at their three outdoor pools this summer.
- Townsville City Council: free entry to public pools until 24 December 2023.
- Warrumbungle Shire Council: free entry to all pools for the 2023-24 season during casual entry times.
- Moora Shire Council: free entry to the Moora public pool during the school holidays.
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