Gannawarra Shire Council says it has not yet “made a decision” about any pool closures in the shire ahead of numerous community engagement opportunities planned for June.
The Draft Gannawarra Aquatic Strategy proposes a “bold change to the provision of aquatics within the Gannawarra”, including the redirection of funding and administration support away from smaller outdoor pools and towards the proposed integrated indoor aquatic facility in Kerang.
Council community wellbeing director Stacy Williams said residents would have the chance to provide feedback on the draft strategy at the community engagement meetings.
“Recommendations that have been suggested within the Draft Gannawarra Aquatic Strategy are based on the best evidence provided at the time, including condition of facilities, stakeholder interviews and potential future costs,” she said.
“The current engagement process wishes to explore these recommendations to further understand the future needs of aquatics within the Gannawarra.”
In a statement, council said the changes included a focus on “modern and contemporary uses of aquatic services”.
“The community engagement process on the Draft Gannawarra Aquatic Strategy began in late April, with councillors, council staff and the Draft Gannawarra Aquatic Strategy consultants meeting with swimming pool management committees, progress associations, development committees, health agencies, schools and advisory groups,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.
“These proactive discussions have enabled these key groups and users to learn more about the Draft Gannawarra Aquatic Strategy and provide feedback regarding how they see the future of aquatics in the Gannawarra.
“We have heard the passion throughout the community for their local outdoor swimming pools and the importance our residents place on these facilities, while we have also heard of the growing need for all-year-round warm water to support learn-to-swim programs for the Gannawarra’s young people and to support low-impact exercise.”
The community engagement will allow residents to meet with councillors, council staff and consultants of the strategy in the following time periods:
• Monday, June 20, from 3pm to 5pm: online discussions;
• Tuesday, June 21, from 10am to noon: online discussions;
• Thursday, June 23, from noon to 2pm: Quambatook swimming pool;
• Thursday, June 23, from 3pm to 5.30pm: Kerang swimming pool;
• Thursday, June 23, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm: Cohuna community meeting room, council office;
• Friday, June 24, from 9am to 10.30am: Koondrook swimming pool; and
• Friday, June 24, from 11am to noon: Leitchville swimming pool.
Sessions will be held in 30-minute blocks. Residents who would like to book their spot can phone council on 5450 9333, email swimmingpools@gsc.vic.gov.au or complete a form online at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/aquatic
“Places for these sessions will fill fast, so residents are encouraged to book their spot as soon as possible,” Cr Gillingham said.
“All feedback received during the community engagement period will assist with the development of the final version of the Gannawarra Aquatic Strategy, which will be presented to council at a later date.”
For more information about the Draft Gannawarra Aquatic Strategy, visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/aquatic