August 27, 2020

The 50m Gunnedah Memorial Swimming Pool is undergoing final repair works and testing to be open in time for the hot weather.

Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth said it was expected the pool would open in October.

“Over the next month, people might notice the pool is being drained at contractors are at work,” Mr Groth said.

“This is part of the planned schedule of works put together by the contractor in consultation with Council to ensure the pool has been repaired and thoroughly tested.

“Our first priority is the safety of our community and residents so Council will, of course, be monitoring the latest safety advice and guidelines from NSW Health with regard to COVID-19.”

It is expected the 50m pool will open on the long weekend on October 3. This would be an extension to the swimming season, which usually begins in November.

Mr Groth said there would be a number of changes this season, including operation of the canteen by Council staff instead of an external lease arrangement. Daily opening hours will also be reduced by an hour to help cover the costs of an extended swimming season.

“A review of numbers of people using the pool in the past years few years has shown a significant drop in patronage in the final two hours of the day,” he said.

“Closing an hour earlier will mean cost savings and in summer, the pool will still be open between 5.30am and 7pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 6pm on Sundays. This is in line with the Narrabri and Tamworth public swimming pools.

“While having problems with the pool so early on has been disappointing, we are looking forward to an extended season this year following a resolution of those problems.”

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.