Temperatures soar but no pool relief

HEATHCOTE residents are worried the current swimming pool closure will have ongoing and far-reaching consequences into the future.

Not only is the community missing an important service over summer, but many businesses are also reporting a concerning decline in trade.

The pool closed early towards the end of last season after reports of an electrical problem and patrons receiving electrical shocks.

Manager at Queen Meadow Caravan Park, Karen Skews, said she received 23 phone calls after a story appeared in the Herald Sun last month with half the callers cancelling reservations.

“Others shortened their stays,” she said.

“Usually at this time of the year the park is fully booked but it looks like a ghost town.

“Some visitors have been quite angry and complained that the pool isn’t open.

“The park is normally full of kids riding bikes and playing, and families head off to the pool in the afternoon but it’s eerily quiet.

“There are only a few vans, the cabins are empty and there are very few upcoming bookings.

“Some people have been coming to the park regularly for up to 15 years but with the pool closed they are not coming.”

Ms Skews said it is not only the caravan park losing patronage; other businesses in the town have reported a very quiet season.

“If you add it up there would normally be at least 20 more vans here, each with an average of four people.

“Those people all support the local businesses, the bakeries, wineries, the supermarket, pubs and other shops.

“It’s a huge loss to the town.

“Businesses are already doing it tough, and this makes it even harder.”

Like many people in Heathcote, Ms Skews is disappointed the problem with the pool wasn’t addressed earlier.

“The pool closed early last season, and the council has had all that time to get it fixed,” she said.

“We have not been contacted and there is only a statement online saying works will commence on Monday.

“People are sceptical with some saying they have seen staff at the pool using metal poles in the water and the ducks are thriving.

“If there is an electrical problem why would staff use metal equipment, and why are the ducks okay?”

Karla and Rod Douglas are members of a reference group comprised of locals and representatives from City of Greater Bendigo and Belgravia.

“I believe CoGB has really dropped the ball on this issue,” said Ms Douglas.

“There are so many unanswered questions and residents are becoming increasingly frustrated and angry, especially in this heat wave.

“We have an excellent facility but only the ducks are using it and somehow not being affected by the electrical issue.

“The community deserves answers and a better service.

“I spoke to a representative from council last month who told me alternative water play was being planned but so far there has been nothing.

 

“I encourage people to go to the visitor centre and apply for a pass to Bendigo pools.

“It’s not ideal but it will show council how many of us want to use our facility.

“Many ratepayers fear the council is just stalling and are planning to close the pool.

“The City of Greater Bendigo has assured us this is not their plan, but we need to come together as a community to ensure it doesn’t happen.”

In a statement released last month, the City recognised that the pool is a valuable community asset and there are no plans to close the facility.

The City assured residents that they are doing everything they can to rectify the electrical issues with the Heathcote pool and open it to the public once it is safe to do so.

Until the pool is reopened, the City is offering the community free pool season passes and bus passes to Bendigo pools.

The free 2025/2026 Heathcote Pool Summer Season Pass provides free entry to any outdoor pool in Bendigo as well as the Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre in Kangaroo Flat.

It will also provide free entry to the Heathcote pool once it reopens.

The free bus passes can be used on presentation of a pool season pass, using the public bus service.

Both passes can be picked up at the pool Heathcote Swimming Pool, Monday to Sunday from 12pm to 7pm.

Passes are also available at the Heathcote Visitor Information Centre between 9am and 4.30pm every day.