Aquatics Strategy Planning
About this project
Indigo Shire owns and operates public swimming pools in Beechworth, Rutherglen, Tangambalanga, Chiltern and Yackandandah.
Each pool was built in the post Melbourne Olympic Games era, making them around 50 to 60 years old.
With declining usage, deteriorating conditions and increasing operating costs, Council now needs to plan for the long-term viability and sustainability of these facilitates.
Why are we undertaking this project and how will it be funded?
We received funding through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s 2023 Local Sport Infrastructure Fund Community Facilities Stream to undertake this project with a matching contribution from Council in the 2024/25 budget.
| Funding Contributor | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sport and Recreation Victoria | $40,000 |
| Indigo Shire Council * | $90,000 |
| TOTAL | $130,000 |
* Estimate only
Background
Indigo Shire pools are managed by a third-party contractor, Belgravia Leisure. At its July 2024 meeting, Council agreed to extend its contract with Belgravia for the 2024/25 season at a cost of $715,000.
In addition to the operator contract, Council makes a significant annual investment in pool capital and maintenance to ensure facilities are safe, compliant and comfortable for staff and users.
On an annual basis, Council commits $192,500 for:
- Plant room and pool grounds repairs and maintenance - $65,000
- Pool Buildings repairs and maintenance - $37,500
- Pool Renewal Works - $75,000
- Preventative Maintenance Program - $15,000
Participant costs per visit
The figures below from the 2023/24 pool season show the amount Council is currently subsiding for community members to use its pools.
The cost per visit rate is calculated by dividing the total operating costs by total visitation at each site.
• Beechworth: $21per attendee
• Yackandandah: $24 per attendee
• Rutherglen: $38 per attendee
• Chiltern: $44 per attendee
• Tangambalanga: $43 per attendee
Scope of works
The project plan will include the following:
- Detailed audit of the current condition of each pool and what is required to bring them in line with Life Saving Australia guidelines.
- Commissioning a feasibility study of Council’s pools to ensure they benefit the broader community and can be run sustainably within council's budget.
- Develop a draft Aquatics Strategy for Indigo Shire
An aquatics strategy will provide Council with a future plan for the long-term sustainability and delivery of aquatic services/facilities across the Shire.