Coonabarabran’s trial of free pool entry this season has led to an increase in usage, but it’s come at a cost.

This week the local pool temporarily closed its doors to non-season ticket holders, after an incident of vandalism and break-in, where the facility door was damaged and the first-aid bag was stolen. 

 “It has been great to see that this has been well received by the community, especially as there has been an uptake in usage by the public, unfortunately with that increase in usage there has also been an increase in poor behaviour by some patrons,” Warrumbungle Shire Mayor Ambrose Doolan said.  

“Like usual, there is only a small number of people that want to spoil it for the majority.” 

According to figures from the recent council meeting, its an example of a bigger pattern, where anti-social behaviour has increased under the new model. 

In the last fortnight alone, eight suspension notices have been issued, with offenders being unable to return for the rest of the season. 

The report also noted that staff were dealing with an increase in verbal abuse and intimidation.

““It is already a difficult job for our pool attendants without some people making it even more difficult with bad behaviour,” said Cr Doolan. 

“Poor behaviour at the pools is not to be accepted and Council has processes in place to deal with poor conduct. It could be a long summer for some of those that (wish) to misbehave at the pools.” 

The decision to offer free pool entry meant that $117,448 was forfeited from the budget.

At this week’s council meeting, councillors agreed to address how they would offset that cost if it were to continue into the future, with a potential risk to the delivery of other services.

“It is a trial this year, we wear (the cost) this year.”

They will also discuss whether its feasible to offer free entry next season, taking in consideration of changed behaviour.

Mr Ambrose said that access to the pool was appreciated during the recent heatwave.

“It’s something worth doing, but we have to be mindful of our (finances)…we’re not that flush,” he told his fellow councillors.

The Coonabarabran pool has reopened to the public.