Aquatic strategy to stand after council meeting

A PETITION submitted at the end of last year in protest of the decision to transition Bendigo East Swimming pool to a seasonal only pool, has been heard at the March council meeting.

The petition was created in response to the Community Aquatic Facilities Strategy adopted in August 2023.

“The draft strategy proposed that the Bendigo East pool would close completely following

planned upgrades to Brennan Park pool,” said Manager Active and Healthy Communities, Amy Johnston.

“When the strategy was adopted by Council in August 2023, it was adopted with an amendment that Bendigo East pool transition to a non-heated, seasonal pool following planned upgrades to Brennan Park pool.” she said.

In the Community Aquatic Facilities Strategy, upgrades to Brennan Park Swimming Pool are to be completed over the next

10 years and included provisions

for an outdoor, solar heated pool.

The petition requested the amendment be reconsidered by the city and for Bendigo East Swimming Pool to remain open and heated year round.

“This petition is unrelated and separate to the recent announcement that the Bendigo East Swimming Pool will close on April 12 as it had become too costly for the Committee of Management to operate a gas-heated pool year-round,” Ms Johnston said.

“The city continues to work closely with the Committee of Management regarding sustainable operations.”

The petition had been deferred from February to allow more time for user groups and stakeholders of the pool to be consulted.