Eden Memorial Pool faces uncertainty

Bega Valley Shire Council commissioned the report by consultants, Otium Planning Group, which is now on public exhibition until Monday, August 29.

The 84-page Aquatic Facilities Review – which looked at council’s pools in Bega, Pambula, Eden, Bemboka, Candelo and Cobargo – put forward five recommendations specifically for Eden pool:

. no major capital works be carried out in the short term other than essential maintenance;

. consider options to cut running costs including reducing operating hours and reassessing lifeguards;

. monitor patronage and subsidies and if the operation of six pools across the shire becomes unsustainable, then close Eden pool;

. investigate the potential of introducing a council subsidy to assist patrons access the Sapphire Aquatic Centre if it is closed; and,

. install additional shade and a small, outdoor leisure water area in the medium term if it is kept open.

“Eden pool has low and declining patronage and the second highest level of council subsidy per patron visit of all pools ($17.28),” the draft report said.

“Should council be unable to arrange and/or service finance costs for the redevelopment of Bega War Memorial Pool, or the overall net cost to council of operating all pools be unsustainable, and/or the council subsidy per visit at Eden pool increases, closure of Eden pool should be considered,” it said.

Feedback on the pool varied: some people noted the friendliness of staff, its cleanliness and water quality; others criticised the water temperature, disability access, lack of shade and the presence of “duck poo”.

BVSC manager leisure and recreation, John Grady, said the Otium report provided key information that would be useful to council as it considered its long term financial strategy and priorities across all assets.

The review is available from council or on its website. People can comment online or write to council.