Bushfires see Bega Council vote not to apply for public pools’ rate variation

Given the scope, magnitude and impact of the bushfire disaster and ongoing campaign fires, Bega Valley Shire Council has voted not to proceed with an application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) to fund the Shire’s six public swimming pools from 2020-21.

Councillors voted unanimously on 29th January to abandon any further consideration of an SRV, along with deferring the adoption of the draft Swimming Pools Strategy in line with the recommendation from staff.

Any potential revisitation of these matters will now be a matter for future Councils and would be assessed and determined with the bushfire recovery efforts and progress front of mind.

The community sentiment surrounding the SRV proposal had been mixed through the public consultation periods.

Bega Valley Shire Council advised that “with so many individuals and businesses in the Bega community either directly or indirectly impacted by the bushfires, it is absolutely clear that any potential increase in rates would have resulted in an unnecessary burden being placed on our people at one of the most challenging times in our history.

“This resolution will in turn better enable Council to narrow its focus to supporting the community through the ongoing fires and recovery process and steadfastly pursue the goal of building back better.   

“Resolving not to proceed to apply for the SRV does bring ongoing financial impacts, as the intention had been for it to cover the ongoing operating and capital upgrade costs associated with the existing six swimming pools across the Shire.

“At this stage the operating costs for the existing six pools will be funded from Council’s General Fund, however the previously adopted goal of maintaining all six pools will need revisiting.”

The cost and timing of the capital upgrades for both Bega and Cobargo, scheduled to be completed in the next 10 years, will also require further consideration.

Image of Candelo Pool courtesy of Bega Valley Shire Council