Brisbane City Council to cut public pool entry fees to $2 a head for summer

In a move to ease the cost of accessing aquatic and recreation facilities, Brisbane City Council is to cut entry prices at its swimming pool entry prices to $2 for summer.

The flat rate of $2 for both adults and children will represent a drop from $6-$7 a swim for those aged 15 and older and $4-$5 for children aged two to 14 – will take effect from 1st December and run until 29th February next year.

The price will apply all day every day, including public holidays, without a limit on entries while anyone accompanying a person with a disability who requires attendant support will continue to be given free entry.

Announcing the pool price cut this morning, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner confirmed on Sunday that pool entry prices would be reduced in the 2023/24 council budget to help tackle rising living costs, commenting “fun often comes at a cost, particularly for families.

“Rising living costs are driving up bills, chewing into people’s disposable incomes, and impacting their ability to undertake fun and healthy activities.

Part of a Council initiative to ensure residents have access to affordable events, the Lord Mayor added “slashing the cost of swimming at council’s fantastic pools and aquatic centres is a big win for Brisbane residents.

“Whether you’re a regular lap swimmer or a family that loves taking the kids for a dip on those hot summer days, slashing pool prices will help residents have fun, stay active and save.”

Under the $2 Summer Dips plan, the council will refund pool lessees the difference between the $2 fee and their regular entry prices.

About 450,000 Brisbane residents a month, or almost 15,000 a day, visited council pools last summer, demonstrating how popular the facilities are.

Lord Mayor Schrinner went on to say that taking children to the local pool helped build their confidence, concluding “as a father of four kids, I know how taking them swimming can really help them build respect and confidence in the water.

“I know a lot of families are struggling with rising costs, and I hope our $2 Summer Dips will give them an affordable and fun activity this summer.”

With 1.2 million residents, Brisbane City Council is the nation's largest council area.

Image: Colmslie Aquatic Centre. Credit: Brisbane City Council.