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Wellington Shire Council updated pool operations for 2024/25, adding daily hours, free swim days, and tailored models

Wellington Shire Council's 2024/25 pool updates include daily openings, extended hours, and free swim days for Heyfield, Stratford, Maffra, and Sale pools, a tailored model for Yarram, and a trial at Rosedale.

By news@gippsland - 4th September 2024 - Back to News

Wellington Shire Council has approved adjustments to the operating models for its six seasonal outdoor pools, following a detailed review and community consultation process. These changes, aimed at ensuring the sustainability and efficient use of council's services, will take effect for the 2024/25 summer season. For the outdoor pools across the Shire, council has updated the operating model to better align with community preferences and maximise accessibility.

Wellington Shire Council's updated pool operating model for 2024/25 ensures daily openings, extended hours on hot days, and weekly free swim days at Heyfield, Stratford, Maffra, Sale, and other regional pools

Daily pool access

Outdoor pools in Heyfield, Stratford, Maffra, and Sale (Aqua Energy) will now be open every day throughout the 15-week summer season, regardless of temperature, ensuring consistent availability for residents. Additionally, on days when the forecast predicts high temperatures, pools will extend their operating hours to allow more time for recreational and lap swimming.

Residents and visitors can also look forward to regular access to their nearest outdoor pool, with free swim days scheduled every week throughout the season. Across all regional pools, the new operating model will ensure that facilities are open daily throughout the season, with operating hours extended on days when the temperature is forecast to reach 24 degrees or higher.

The current 25-degree temperature trigger, which has been a point of contention among the community, will drop to 24 degrees for the upcoming season. The 15-week season will now conclude later in the year to better accommodate community feedback.

Tailored pool operations

The Yarram Outdoor Pool will see a tailored operating model introduced, reflecting the specific needs and circumstances of the Yarram community. This decision follows input from the Yarram Pool User Group Committee and feedback collected through a recent outdoor pools survey.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ian Bye stated, "We've carefully considered the feedback from the Yarram community and have developed a model that balances community desires with the practicalities of pool operations. Our goal is to ensure that all of our pools remain a valuable community asset while managing resources responsibly."

In recognition of ongoing low patronage levels at the Rosedale Outdoor Pool, council has decided to trial a free Friday entry and a reduced 10-week season for the 2024/25 summer. This trial, running from December to February, will assess community interest and determine whether the current service levels are justified. Additionally, free entry on Fridays will be extended to all outdoor pools across the Shire, encouraging greater community engagement and usage.

Assessing pool usage

Mayor Ian Bye commented, "The free entry trial at Rosedale Outdoor Pool, along with the Shire-wide free Fridays, is a measured approach to understanding local needs. We need to ensure that our resources are used effectively and that the services provided align with the community's actual usage patterns." Last year's summer swim season saw outdoor pool visits subsidised over $60 each in Rosedale, more than double the rate of other outdoor pools in Wellington Shire.

"Visitation across our outdoor pools is one of council's most heavily subsidised services. We invest in these facilities because we understand their importance, especially to our smaller communities. However, it's crucial that we regularly assess these services to ensure that our resources are being used effectively and are directed towards areas where they truly meet community needs and provide the greatest value," he said.

These changes reflect council's commitment to providing reliable and accessible leisure services that meet the diverse needs of local communities while maintaining a sustainable approach to resource management. Council will continue to monitor the outcomes of these changes to ensure that they meet community needs while maintaining the financial and operational sustainability required of outdoor pools.

Pictures from Wellington Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland property owners have received 2026/27 rates notices, with Council’s average increase set at 2.5%. Payment options, objections and face-to-face support are available for residents
• Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
  South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.
• East Gippsland outdoor venues prepare for summer with school holiday activities, swimming programs and swim teacher opportunities
  East Gippsland outdoor facilities are preparing for summer, with Orbost Pool opening early, seasonal swimming programs returning, Aqua Run activities planned and Council recruiting and training new swim teachers.
• Latrobe City ratepayers to receive 2026/27 notices as council outlines $90.4M works program
  Latrobe City ratepayers will receive 2026/27 rates notices from late August, helping fund $90.4 million in capital works, essential services and community assets across the municipality.
• Gemma Rendell and Darren Chester urge Gippslanders to add vegetables daily through new healthy eating campaign
  The "Get the Edge. Eat More Veg" campaign launched in Sale, urging Gippslanders to add one extra vegetable served daily while supporting local growers, jobs and health.
• Supercars Championship returns to Phillip Island in 2027 following Victorian government multi-year contract announcement
  Bass Coast Shire Council has welcomed the Supercars Championship return to Phillip Island in 2027 under a Victorian Government multi-year contract, supporting regional tourism and economic transition following MotoGP and World Superbikes departures.
• Baw Baw Australia Day Awards nominations open, recognising local heroes, organisations and events, voting is until 30 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising outstanding citizens, young people, organisations and community events making contributions locally.
• Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council has released the draft Omeo District Place Plan for feedback, prioritising health, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness. Submissions close October 2.
• East Gippsland targets Canberra visitors in new Spring Tourism Campaign, destination marketing and supporting local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched a Canberra-focused spring tourism campaign, testing evidence-led marketing strategies while attracting shoulder-season visitors and supporting local businesses through targeted promotion.
• East Gippsland simplifies footpath permit fees, reducing costs for businesses while supporting safe, vibrant, accessible town centres
  East Gippsland Shire Council has introduced a simplified, tiered Goods on Footpath permit fee structure, reducing costs for many businesses while supporting vibrant town centres and maintaining safe, accessible public spaces.
• Coastal erosion forces indefinite closure of Kilcunda Rail Trail section for safety from 26 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council will close a Kilcunda Rail Trail section indefinitely from August 26 after severe erosion washed away two metres of dune, threatening trail safety.
• East Gippsland invites nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards celebrating outstanding community contributions and achievements until 6 December 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising community contributions across volunteering, sport, arts and culture. Nominations close December 6, 2026.
• East Gippsland planning roadshow brings expert advice to Mallacoota residents, improving access to local services
  East Gippsland Shire Council's Planning Roadshow will visit Mallacoota on August 17, offering residents face-to-face planning advice, permit guidance and access to the new AI-powered myLot planning tool.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks.
• South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
  South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character.
• East Gippsland's new disability network brings diverse community voices together to help shape council decisions and services
  East Gippsland’s new Disability Network has attracted 33 expressions of interest, bringing together people with disability, carers, families and sector representatives to help shape Council decisions and improve accessibility.
• Morwell CBD double-storey car park set to deliver more than 120 additional free parking spaces soon
  Preparation works have begun for Morwell’s new double-storey CBD car park, expected to start construction in October, adding more than 120 free spaces and completing Latrobe City’s Regional Car Parks Fund projects.
• Latrobe City encourages community conversations and support during Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host free events from 24 to 31 October for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026, helping residents recognise gambling harm, explore support services and start conversations with family, friends and neighbours.
• Cr John White recognised for 10 Years of dedicated service representing East Gippsland communities on council
  East Gippsland Councillor John White has been recognised for 10 years of service, including two terms as Mayor, advocating for local priorities and representing communities across government levels.