Council ‘Drop-In’ sessions will be held at Bulahdelah Pool on Monday 22 January, then Tea Gardens Pool on Tuesday 23 January, 11am to 2:30pm both dates.

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“Staff members will be on hand to listen to community ideas and feedback about pools, and will have iPads to help people fill in the survey,” a Council spokesperson explained.

“Please note these sessions are not formal meetings, there will be no presentations nor forum discussions and Councillors will not be in attendance – this is about us hearing from you as individuals about how you use your pool.”

The first pool drop-in was held at Tea Gardens back in late November, when Council representatives met informally with a large group of highly concerned locals, whose key focus was a guarantee from Council that the Tea Gardens Pool will not be closed down.

Council’s representatives clarified that there was no intention to close the pool, rather, they are seeking local input, including the possibility of finding a locally-based alternative to the current YMCA management situation, focusing on “financial responsibility”.

Over summer, the pool has been frequently proving its inherent pricelessness as a community facility, with swim training, aquatic fitness for those less mobile, laps and other regular fitness opportunities, and a way to beat the heat and humidity.

“Your feedback will be used to help us set the opening hours for future swim seasons, and pool operators will still be able to decide to open the pool for longer when it is hot, busy or they get a booking for an event,” Council said.

“We know swimming pools are important community facilities and want to ensure they remain sustainable for the future, and we have a duty to ensure pools operate according to safety guidelines and are managed in a financially responsible manner.

“This is why we are introducing some changes to supervision, entry fees, management methods, and considering opening hours of pools.”

Council is urging all users of the local pool to complete the short survey to Have Your Say online at https://haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/swimming-pool-operations-review, in person at the drop-in sessions.

The consultation will close on Sunday 4 February 2024.

By Thomas O’KEEFE