Grim winters loom for beloved public pool

CITY of Greater Bendigo councillors have voted five to three to close the Bendigo East Swimming Pool (BESP) during winter despite strong community support to allow year-round access.

In the two-week lead up to the vote, more than 2200 locals signed a petition to keep BESP open for 12 months of the year, but their appeals fell achingly short in the end.

In a statement responding to the news, the pool’s Committee of Management president Lachlan Mcintosh said the overwhelming response from the public via the petition reflected how important the facility is to Bendigo as a community place that supports recreation, wellbeing and high-performance pathways.

“This decision is more than a change to a timetable, it affects people,” he said.

“It affects our swimmers, our families, our volunteers, our staff and the wider community that has relied on Bendigo East as a training, learning, and social hub for generations.”

The pool’s swimming club, of which Olympic silver medallist Jenna Strauch is a former member, will be forced to relocate to the Faith Leech Aquatic Centre (which will be open across all seasons).

“This will involve a significant operational transition, one that cannot succeed without detailed, cooperative planning between the Club, the City of Greater Bendigo, Belgravia Leisure and the Bendigo Hawks,” Mr Mcintosh said.

He urged council to reconsider the proposed seasonal closure post haste.

“We’re ready and willing to work constructively with (them), but the current process leaves too many unanswered questions and too much uncertainty,” he said.

Explaining the decision, mayor Cr Thomas Prince said managing a public pool is a significant undertaking.

“It’s challenging to operate aquatic facilities due to a range of factors, including significant safety requirements, risk management and increased capital and operating costs,” he said.

“These factors are placing growing pressure on all aquatic services, particularly those managed by volunteers.

“This is not just a Greater Bendigo problem, nationwide service providers are facing similar challenges with ageing infrastructure, increasing running costs and changing community needs for aquatic facilities.

“Council acknowledges the popularity of Bendigo East Swimming Pool, particularly in the summer months, and is pleased to be able to support its ongoing operation in summer.”

If the voluntary BESP Committee of Management decides to discontinue operating the facility, the City has pledged that it will appoint a “suitably skilled and qualified (alternative)” prior to the commencement of the 2026/27 summer season.