Narrabri shire pools entry fees waived until February 2

Councillors have unanimously voted to waive entry fees for all the shire's pool facilities from December 23 to February 3 as a goodwill gesture.

The motion was moved by Cr Ron Campbell who said it would remove the cost barrier that might prevent residents from using the facilities on a regular basis during the summer holiday period.

He said it would also encourage people to catch up and help them beat the heat as temperatures continue to rise.

Read also:

The second part of the motion was that a report be presented to councillors at the next meeting in February to outline suitable options regarding a fair solution to residents holding season ticket passes.

The council said maintaining swimming pools came at a "significant cost" but councillors supported the fee-waiver to promote active lifestyles in the community over the summer season without the worry of cost.

"Operating hours at all facilities will remain unchanged with centers already offering flexible times to cater for most community members and to ensure a safe and maintainable level of council staffing resources," council's infrastructure delivery director Darren Raeck said.

"Patrons are urged to take advantage of the summer holidays and come down to any of the three facilities to escape the heat."

The decision comes just months after councillors voted to keep the pools open into the April school holidays at the request of residents.

From December 16, 2019 to April 17, 2020, the pools are open from 1pm to 7pm.

The council may extend hours during spells of hot weather and high patronage or close the facility during inclement weather or low patronage.

They will monitor also light levels when daylight saving kicks in on April 5, 2020 and may close the pool if daylight levels become unsafe.