Bayside Council looks at reintroducing cash payments to Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre

Sydney’s Bayside Council is to investigate a return to cashless payments at the Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre.

The move follows criticism by users about the inconvenience of the facility having moved to cashless after the Council took control of its management last July.

As reported by local newspaper the St George Sutherland Leader, Evelyn Collaro, a foundation member of the Centre, Evelyn Collaro said the cashless move had inconvenienced not only senior users of the pool but children who may not be able to use a card in the kiosk.

Collaro told the St George Sutherland Leader "it's discrimination against people who want to use cash as legal tender.”

Following an urgent Motion without Notice submitted by Councillor Scott Morrissey at the 22nd November council meeting, council staff are now investigating a return to cashless payments at the Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre and the Council’s Mascot pool and, if possible, and prepare a report for the next meeting of council to be held on 6th December.

Councillor Morrissey advised “we have had feedback from residents saying they would like to pay cash for dropping kids off, swimming, or paying $10 for a coffee and a muffin, and unfortunately council hasn't that cash facility.

"So I'm seeking support from the council that it takes immediate steps to implement the accepting of cash at those centres."

However, Bayside Council General Manager, Meredith Wallace suggested that there would be financial implications, noting “we will need to purchase a safe, cash registers and organise cash pick-up.

"There are real costs associated with these things and it will have to come back to the council with an estimate of costs so we can adopt it and incorporate it into council's budget."

Image: The Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre. Credit: Bayside Council.