City of Newcastle seeks feedback on $2 pool entry fee

Swimmers are being invited to dive into discussions around a proposal to trial reduced entry fees at City of Newcastle's five inland pools next season.

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Community members are being asked if they support a trial of single entry admission fees being set at $2 per person in 2025/26, and whether the reduced entry would encourage them to visit more often.

The consultation follows resolutions at the February and April ordinary council meetings, with the feedback to be considered alongside an upcoming report on the projected financial cost of the proposed $2 fee, and its impacts on the draft 2025/26 Budget.

Cr Declan Clausen, who proposed the amendment at the April Ordinary Council meeting to facilitate the consultation, encouraged the community to have their say on the trial.

“Council is exploring a $2 pool entry trial to make our local pools more affordable and accessible for everyone in our community,” Cr Clausen said.

“We know cost-of-living pressures are real, and we want to hear whether this initiative would make a meaningful difference for you and your family.

“I encourage all residents to have their say during the consultation. Your feedback will help shape the final decision and how we deliver this $2 pool entry trial.”

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said it was important to gather as much data as possible to help inform Councillors in their deliberations over the proposed trial.

"It is valuable to understand the community's views on the trial proposed by the elected Council, and whether it will affect the way they interact with and use our pools," Ms Duffy said.

"It is also important to consider the financial implications of the trial of reduced single entry admission fees, as income from pool entry fees are retained by the operator Bluefit to support the day-to-day running of the facilities.

"Any difference between the regular single entry fee and the proposed reduced fee of $2 would need to be met by City of Newcastle and included in the 2025/26 draft Budget, which is currently on public exhibition.

"In addition to the subsidised pool fee trial, City of Newcastle is also planning significant investment during the next 12 months to maintain and improve our network of inland swimming centres to ensure they continue to meet the expectations and evolving needs of the community."

Projects included in the 2025/26 draft Budget include preparing detailed reports to replace the roof of the grandstand and installing accessible platforms at Lambton War Memorial Swimming Centre.

A $1 million investment has also been set aside to progress the design of a year-round indoor pool as promised by the previous elected Council and included in City of Newcastle's Inland Pools Strategy 2043.

Around $1 million will also be spent over the next 12 months on infrastructure upgrades across the five swimming pools, including a platform to improve pool accessibility at Mayfield. A busy program of maintenance activities will be delivered during the winter closure including safety upgrades, re-painting to enhance durability and visual appeal, and maintenance of pool tiles and promenades.

Stockton Swimming Centre will receive a makeover with the playground equipment, barbecues and picnic tables to be upgraded, along with new shade structures to be installed, while lighting upgrades will be delivered at Beresfield and Mayfield.

Beresfield Swimming Centre will also benefit from the upgrade of its solar heating system, supported by a $220,000 grant received from the NSW Government's Local Small Commitments Allocation program in August last year during the pool season.

A heating upgrade is also on the cards for Lambton, with the installation of a new heat pump during the winter period once the pool closes for the season on Sunday 25 May. Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend pools have already closed for the winter break.

Community members can provide feedback on the proposed $2 entry fee trial by visiting City of Newcastle's Have Your Say page by 5pm on 29 May.