Entry to pools across the Warrumbungle Shire will be free for the current swimming season as council works to encourage pool use in an expected hot summer. 

The free entry applies to ‘casual entry’ hours, or when a pool attendant is rostered on at the swimming pool. 

“If community members would like to use the pools outside of these hours then a swimming pool season ticket must be purchased,” Mayor Ambrose Doolan said.

The change to the pool’s payment structure came from a review of fellow councils, ultimately finding that free entry will encourage usage and learning to swim, eliminate the need for cash handling, and promote a safer environment than swimming in rivers and dams. 

This year will be treated as a trial for the structure, after some councils offering free entry to the local pool found that security guards were necessary to combat antisocial behaviour.

For Baradine, Binnaway, Coolah, Coonabarabran, Dunedoo and Mendooran swimming pools, the free entry was chosen in a bid to raise attendance while keeping the need for extra staff low. 

According to council documents, the number of pool attendants isn’t filling the council’s needs, with positions opened in July still waiting to be filled. 

Although a shortage of pool attendants could see late notice offered on pool opening hours, the council found it was a way to keep free entry available while minimising the potential of vandalism and antisocial behaviour that comes with no supervision. 

Season ticket holders have unfettered access to pools from 6.00am until close (currently 6.00pm and then 7.00pm during the December/January School Holidays) seven days a week during the season and will gain access using an electronic pool pass.

“This year, as well as the full-season and half-season tickets of previous years there is an option to buy a four-week pass, giving residents and visitors all the benefits of a season ticket for any four-week period of their choice,” Cr Doolan explained. 

The council is expecting over $100,000 in lost revenue over the change, and have resolved to identify savings elsewhere at the next Quarterly Budget Review to compensate. 

Currently the Coolah and Coonabarabran pools are open, with the Dunedoo pool to open shortly, and Baradine, Binnaway and Mendooran pools expected to open on Saturday 21 October.