Changes for the 2024-25 swim season:

• Wingham pool will open and close when daylight saving begins and ends each season.
• There will be no changes to operating hours at Wingham pool.
• We are looking to work with interested community groups to manage the pool. Tenders will open for small operators and community groups interested in managing the pool.
• We will work with State and Federal MPs to seek grant funding for concept plans, a feasibility study and the construction of a new pool for the Wingham community.

Background

Operations cost 2022-2023: $201,765

Annual Deficit: $166,364

• Operational costs: Swimming pool operations are currently subsidised heavily by Council - $2.55 million last year (2022-2023 swim season). This cost is expected to increase by 5% each year.
• Ongoing repairs: This does not include capital replacement and refurbishment costs for the existing pools which is estimated to be in the order of $14 million over the next 10 years.
• Additional funding: We will continue to seek funding for improvements to energy efficiency to reduce the costs of running pools to the community.
• Pool condition: The Wingham pool is in poor condition. The filtration system requires $1 million of investment. The pool leaks at the expansion joint where the pool was extended, and through the gutters which are experiencing concrete cancer.
• Grant funding: We will work with NSW and Federal MPs to seek grant funding for feasibility studies, concept plans and construction of a new pool for the Wingham community.