The Walgett Shire Council has rescinded their decommissioning of the local pool, attempting to open for the upcoming summer, choosing the repairs route once again. 

The decommissioning of the 60-year-old pool was announced in July to the disappointment of locals with a warm summer ahead of them, but the state of the pool was deemed ‘beyond saving’.

A rescission motion was put before council in August, leading Walgett Shire Council to undergo further risk management before deciding the pool would live on another season. 

“To support this process, Council is actively working with the NSW Government to secure funding to facilitate repairs,” Walgett General Manager Megan Dixon said in a statement. 

“Recognising the long-term needs of the community, the Walgett Shire Council is taking comprehensive action by initiating the development of a masterplan for the swimming facilities within the Walgett Shire”

The continuation of the current pool was supported by the Walgett Swimming Club, Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service and the Dhariwaa Elders Group.

The proposal from the community groups sought repairs to the current pool to be operational for the coming swimming season and until a new pool is ‘shovel ready’.

They are aiming for a new aquatic complex comprising of an eight lane 50m Olympic pool, toddler pool, and 25m indoor multipurpose thermal pool.

Walgett Shire Council General Manager Megan Dixon

The formation of a community working group to make those plans possible was also proposed, which is now being formed by council and will include key stakeholders. 

“This group of dedicated individuals will act as enthusiastic ‘champions’ during these consultations, ensuring that the community’s voice is heard and integrated into the master plan,” Ms Dixon said. 

The Walgett Shire Council is seeking contract operators to oversee the management and operation of the pool throughout the upcoming season.

No guarantee of the reopening of the pool in time for the usual October season start date has been made, nor any indication of what a future aquatic facility might look like.