Warrumbungle Shire Council’s ambitious plan for its Coonabarabran Pool Masterplan will go on exhibition soon after it was discussed at the Council meeting last Thursday 19 June.

Part of the preferred scope for the redevelopment endorsed by the Advisory Committee for the Coonabarabran Pool is the construction of a 25 metre x 8 lane pool with accessible ramp, replacing the existing 33 metre pool, and installing a Toddler pool with a splash park. 

The proposal has already received high praise from community and councillor Naomi Taylor says the feedback for the council's plan is positive.

"Mums have talked to me about the toddler pool and it would be a help with children learn to swim classes it has major benefits," Cr Taylor said.

‘’There was lots of discussion around the Toddler Pool in the Splash Park and it was really interesting to hear from the learn to swim teachers, and why that's important for water safety.

Councillor Taylor said it was interesting to hear the Committee's support for the proposal "even though it is more expensive than other options" and is a project that could take a number of years to complete, with one member saying, "we only get one shot at this."

"I think we definitely are all on the same page with that one," Cr Taylor said.

Mayor Kathryn Reindfliesh backed Cr Taylor’s comments.

"It's very exciting for our community and I agree it will be well patronised by families, learn to swim is so important.’’

The Masterplan has now been drafted, reviewed and discussed with the Advisory Committee with minor revisions made in preparation for it to be placed on public exhibition.

Pools in Warrumbungle have been well attendedk recently with a total of 36,043 attendances recorded for the season which included the reduced entry fee for Casual Admissions and memberships.

Overall recorded attendance increased by 1,478 compared to the previous year.

The largest increase was recorded by Coonabarabran Swimming Pool with an additional 4,268 patrons for the season.

It is believed that the increase in Coonabarabran Swimming Pool attendance is due to the diligence of the Coonabarabran Pool Attendants in ensuring pool attendees sign-in a report to the Council said.

Councillor Kodi Brady said the feedback from community about the Coonabarabran pool had been positive and the pool co-ordinator's facilitation of the service had been "incredible" with many good reports. 

"It's good to hear some good feedback after we had so much trouble the season before, and I think certainly its positive news for community," the mayor said at Thursday’s meeting. 

The Council has six pools at Coonabarabran, Baradine, Binnaway, Coolah, Dunedoo and Mendooran and will look to make changes to opening times because it is difficult to open them all the same time, and staffing them all is problematic.

Councillor Denis Todd requested a review of season ticket prices, which were reduced by 60 per cent last year, and mentioned that freezing prices this year could help increase attendance.

He also joked that "Baradine should open first - it's hot and closer to the equator".

The council discussed reviewing the proposed pool opening timetable and agreed to bring a report back to the next council meeting.