Campaspe Shire Council calls for establishment of national program for aquatic infrastructure

Campaspe Shire Council has announced a $5 million contribution towards aquatic facilities to replace the flood-demolished Rochester District War Memorial Pool while also calling on the next Australian Government to provide urgent funding and support for aquatic infrastructure, both locally and nationally as part of their ‘Advocating for a Brighter Tomorrow’ federal election advocacy campaign.

Campaspe Shire Council notes “Australia is a water-loving nation, and aquatic facilities play a critical role in our communities. Not only for the health, safety and fitness benefits they provide to residents but also because they are a central hub for community gathering and connection.

“That’s why we’re asking for federal funds towards a new aquatic facility to replace the Rochester pool, destroyed in the October 2022 flood event.

“In the wake of hundreds of public swimming pools across Australia nearing the end of their functional life, we’re also seeking the establishment of a national program for aquatic infrastructure to ensure that all citizens continue to have access to these vital facilities."

In March last year, Royal Life Saving Australia expressed its fears that as many as 500 public swimming pools will close within 10 years without significant and sustained investment.

Building on its past studies, new research from Royal Life Saving estimated that 68% of community swimming pools are aged over 50 years, and that $8 billion is needed to refurbish, upgrade, or rebuild them.

Explaining the critical state of the nation's aquatic facilities RJ Houston, Royal Life Saving’s General Manager - Capability & Industry advised “it is much more than rusted and broken pipes, cracks in pool tiles, and porous concrete, many older pools are leaking significant amounts of water, leading to increased costs, environmental damage and concerns about water quality and safety.”

Local government shoulders the greatest burden, with many now unable to meet the upgrade costs without financial assistance from State and Federal governments.

Royal Life Saving research highlights:

• The average Australian public pool was built in 1968

• 500 (40%) of public pools will reach the end of their functional lifespan by 2030

• $8 billion is needed to replace those 500 aging public pools

• A further $3 billion will be needed to replace facilities ending their lifespan by 2035

• Pools generate $9.1 billion annually in social, health, and economic benefits

• There are over 333 million visits to public pools each year

Royal Life Saving noted that many community pools are facing multiple threats - changing demographics, lack of local government resources, increasing energy and building costs, as well as the impacts of a changing climate.

With local governments contributing 64% of all funding for aquatic facilities, Houston is aware that regional councils are particularly vulnerable and often face the dilemma of pool closures.