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East Gippsland Shire to discuss new aquatic strategy, future of Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool amid safety, cost concerns

East Gippsland Shire will consider a new aquatic strategy amid safety, cost, and usage concerns over the ageing Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool, with community consultation to determine the site's future.

By news@gippsland - 15th August 2025 - Back to News

East Gippsland Shire Council will consider commissioning a new East Gippsland Aquatic Strategy to guide the future of the Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool site and plan for aquatic facilities across the shire at its upcoming council meeting on Tuesday 19 August.

Built in 1969, the Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool is cherished by many, but ageing infrastructure, high costs, and safety concerns make ongoing operation financially and practically unsustainable

Bairnsdale pool closure

The Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool, built in 1969 and located at 49 Turnbull Street, Bairnsdale, has been a valued community facility for many years but is now at the end of its operational life. Ageing infrastructure, increasing maintenance costs, and significant safety concerns mean it is no longer viable to operate in its current state.

Council recognises the importance of the pool to many residents and understands the community passion around the facility. At the same time, it's important for all ratepayers to be aware of the financial and operational realities.

The pool has recorded an average operating deficit of approximately $195,000 per year over the past four years, with a ratepayer subsidy of $162 per recreational swim. While it is recognised that many of council's services are subsidised, it is the level of subsidy and the limited use that are the focus.

Safety concerns close

This year, 1,667 community visits (excluding school carnivals) were recorded at the outdoor pool. By comparison, the nearby Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre (BARC) records roughly the same number of visits in one week, providing year-round aquatic facilities for residents.

Council's Chief Executive Officer, Fiona Weigall, said she has a legal and ethical obligation to ensure a safe working environment for all employees and a safe place for the community to swim. "This means proactively identifying and mitigating workplace hazards, providing necessary training and resources, and fostering a culture of safety."

"The age of the facility and standard of some of its components present a very real occupational health and safety risk for staff and the public. We have assessed these risks in line with our obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and determined they are at an unacceptable level to operate safely. The pool cannot reopen while these risks remain," Ms Weigall said.

Pool closure inevitable

Previous studies, including the 2015 East Gippsland Aquatic Strategy, explored a full refurbishment of the pool which, at the time, was estimated to exceed $3 million. Instead, an investment was made in developing a warm water pool at the BARC for year-round use.

Shire officers have also been working in line with a previous council decision, made in 2016, when adopting the East Gippsland Aquatic Strategy. At that time, condition assessments confirmed that the Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool was nearing the end of its functional life and would need to close in the near future.

Community consultation planned

The strategy, unanimously adopted by council, indicated that the outdoor pool would remain open for as long as practicable, but no further major works would be undertaken at the facility. Council has received advice from officers as to why the outdoor pool cannot be opened for the 2025/26 summer season, and this is outlined in the report to council.

The report also recommends detailed consultation with the community about the future of the Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool site and the development of a new aquatic strategy for the shire. This will involve comprehensive community engagement - including a community reference group - to guide the strategy and determine the site's future. This approach ensures that decisions are informed by community views while also considering the demand for, and the cost and feasibility of, developing additional aquatic facilities.

Future pool consideration

Ms Weigall said the upcoming discussion reflects council's commitment to transparent decision-making and community engagement. "The Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool has served our community for almost 60 years, and we understand the attachment some people have to it. It was built thanks to community effort - through local labour and fundraising - and has been enjoyed for close to six decades."

"However, the condition and safety risks associated with the pool, coupled with its low usage means we must now carefully consider its future - balancing community sentiment with demand, while not ignoring the significant safety concerns and responsible management of public resources," Ms Weigall said.

It is noted in the report that while no swimming lessons are held at the facility, eight school carnivals are held onsite each year, council officers are working with schools to establish alternative arrangements for the 2025/26 school carnivals. For more information, including the full council report, are available in the council meeting agenda on East Gippsland Shire Council website.

Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Darren Chester secured $20,000 funding to preserve the historic Tambo Valley Trenches, enhancing access, safety, and interpretation, while honouring East Gippsland's wartime history and boosting cultural tourism along the Great Alpine Road.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017.
• Rokeby to Noojee $4M trail upgrade officially opens, enhancing accessibility, safety, and visitor experience across region
  A $4 million upgrade of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail has officially opened, delivering improved surfaces, facilities, signage and lookouts, with $3 million Victorian government funding and strong community contributions celebrated.
• Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect.
• Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
  Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption.
• Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
  Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety.
• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.
• Nationals' $100M Safer Communities Plan targets crime crisis with tough laws and prevention programs across Gippsland
  Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts.
• Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
  Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase.