HEYWOOD’S swimming pool is definitely not closing, according to a new Glenelg Shire report.
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Shire residents were asked to have their say on the municipality’s four swimming pools, with the submissions helping form the Aquatics Services Strategy.
An “extensive community consultation process” found there was “overwhelming support for the upgrade and improvement of the shire’s four ageing aquatic facilities”, this month’s council meeting heard.
As a result, a report submitted to Glenelg Shire Council recommended numerous changes and works to be undertaken over the next 20 years at the pools in Portland, Casterton, Merino and Heywood.
But mayor John Northcott said the report also allayed fears that the Heywood pool would be closed, adding that a number of submissions received during the consultation period expressed concern about a possible closure.
“The (Aquatics Services Strategy) does not recommend the closure of the Heywood pool,” Cr Northcott said.
“The recommendations for the Heywood facility aim to increase usage of this aquatic facility, create a point of difference and a significant attractor to the area and get the community active and involved.
“Council recognises that additional community consultation will need to be undertaken before any recommendations are actioned.
“The combination of a pool and an interactive aquatics features would increase participation, usage and activity across all ages with less active supervision required, therefore helping to reduce the council subsidy to operate the facility.”
However, the report noted that the Heywood pool was the least used of the shire’s pools.
The council will use the strategy to improve the current facilities and plan for future developments at the four pools.
The next steps will include putting together a concept design and business case for the Portland Leisure and Aquatic Centre, and developing a feasibility study and masterplan for Heywood.