Tamworth Regional Council: Nundle Pool closes early due to Level 4 Water Restrictions

It's the first time in years Nundle Amateur Swimming Club members have qualified for a state competition, and president Teree Burr feels the competitors will be disadvantaged without somewhere to train.

"The nearest pool to train in is a 100 kilometre round-trip away and we're all working parents who have to find the time to take them there three to four days a week," she said.

Pools must close early under Level 4 water restrictions, as set out in Tamworth Regional Council's Drought Management Plan.

Undeterred, concerned community members wrote to the council in the hope the pool might stay open, but instead they were directed to Kootingal or Tamworth.

Nundle's pool will close on March 16, while Barraba and Manilla's will not, despite the fact they are also on Level 4 water restrictions. But WaterNSW has told the council recent rainfall has increased water levels in Split Rock Dam, so water releases will resume soon.

At that point Manilla and Barraba will return to lower water restrictions, TRC sport and recreation manager Paul Kelly said.

"Nundle ... remains on Level 4 water restrictions and I have been advised this is not likely to change in the near future, leaving us with no option but to follow the Drought Management Plan guidelines and close the pool early," he said.

Tamworth's Scully Pool is open on bore water. That isn't an option in Nundle because the town bore is used for drinking water.

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The council will provide partial refunds to those with a pool season pass. Still, with the Nundle pool already full, Ms Burr said she can't see why it has to close early.

"We just don't feel listened to when it comes to TRC. It feels like a David and Goliath situation and we have to fight the good fight for everything," she said.

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