Collarenebri have had trouble beating the heat since the pool malfunctioned before Christmas, followed by the sudden resignation of the pool contractor. Now, the local pool will operate staff-free as a community facility.

The Walgett Shire Council made the decision to change the pool’s operating model after a series of unfortunate events made them realise that the community could perhaps do it better than an outside contractor. 

“What we’re basically making is an unmanned pool. We’ve got a couple of other pools that operate this way,” Walgett’s General Manager Megan Dixon said.

Under the new model of operating, keys and waiver forms will be available from the Agency in Collarenebri. Tickets will also require a key deposit. 

“(Key holders) will sign a waiver acknowledging that the pool is unattended and that there are no lifeguarding facilities.”

Age limits for key holders, CCTV and community reporting will also be used to ensure that the pool is used in a safe and responsible way.

The Royal Life Saving Australia KEEP WATCH Standard will be maintained, including all children under 14 being accompanied by an adult, 0-5 year olds and non-swimmers staying within an adult’s arm’s reach, and an adult maintaining visual contact and a close distance for 6-14 year olds and weak swimmers. 

“We’ve not had any issues at any of our other pools. We did put a ban on somebody behaving inappropriately at the bore baths and that was supported by the police when we did that.”

“We’ll still be doing the maintenance of the facility…if anything we might see an improvement because it’ll be back under our care,” Ms Dixon said.

The pool is expected to open on Monday, 8 January.