Newcastle’s five public swimming pools are set to be enhanced and protected for the next 20 years.
The Inland Pools Strategy 2043 outlines an investment plan for the city’s public swimming pools, ensuring they remain fit for purpose in the long term. Over the last five years, $5 million has been spent upgrading and $2 million maintaining the public pools.
The draft strategy proposes the creation of an Inland Pools Reserve Fund to ensure that funding is set aside annually to enhance the city’s five public pools over the next two decades. The review found that the public pools’ condition would enable them to continue to operate without replacement until at least 2043.
“City of Newcastle’s public swimming pools attract more than 300,000 visitors every year. Independent research shows public satisfaction with our pools is more than 80%, making them just as popular as the Newcastle Art Gallery and Museum,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“The draft Inland Pools Strategy 2043 shows how our network of five swimming centres service the community in their own unique way and sets a strategic direction for each, including upgrading Wallsend Swimming Centre as our population in the western suburbs increases.
“We’re now encouraging the community to have their say on the draft Strategy to help us shape how City of Newcastle protects and invests in its five public pools over the next 20 years.”
The draft strategy shows how the city’s network of five swimming centres services the community in their unique ways, including upgrading Wallsend Swimming Centre as the population in the western suburbs increases.
Lambton Swimming Centre devotee, Colin Irvine said he is committed to actively contributing to the way the facilities are managed.
“These days I coach both swimming and water polo at Lambton Pool and am there most days. I can see the challenges faced by those running swimming pools from many perspectives,” Mr Irvine said.
“I have been a swimmer all my life and have spent a lot of time at Lambton Pool. In my younger years, I was an elite-level competitive swimmer and water polo player. As an athlete, a parent, a coach, a business owner, and a frequent user, I have an appreciation for the challenges faced by local and state authorities in balancing competing community needs with scarce resources.”
City of Newcastle is encouraging the community to have their say on the draft strategy to shape how the city protects and invests in its five public pools over the next 20 years
Consultation on the draft Inland Pools Strategy 2043 will begin after the Easter holidays.
