Parkes Shire Council will provide free entry into all of its pools across the shire this summer, as one small measure to help offer some respite for families from the stresses of the drought.
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The suggestion was first raised by Councillor Bill Jayet during the comments and matters of urgency section at council’s August monthly meeting on Tuesday.
And it was strongly supported by his fellow councillors.
“With the drought intensifying, our farmers, businesses and residents will increasingly be looking for some respite from the day-to-day distress the drought causes,” Cr Jayet said.
“I would like council to consider waiving swimming pool entry fees in Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore as a one-off for the coming season.
“I believe this gesture might provide some small respite and a friendly gathering place for families.”
Last summer the four pools combined returned an income of $168,211, council’s Works and Services Director Ben Howard said in a report tabled at the meeting.
The Parkes pool generated $132,674, while the Peak Hill pool returned $14,949, Trundle $13,509 and Tullamore $7079.
“[These figures do] not include operating costs,” Mr Howard said.
He said allowing free access across all pools would see a loss of revenue of just over $168,000.
Mr Howard also pointed out the proposed arrangement could attract a potential increase in patrons, which would require council to increase its lifeguard supervision under the current Royal Life Saving Society Guidelines.
“I think it’s very important we take a holistic look at the situation, I know we all appreciate how hard the rural community is suffering at the moment through having to go out and feed stock but I see the social and mental health wellbeing of the whole community as being a viable factor here as well,” Cr Jayet said.
“Here in wide, brown land we’re going to have these lovely little green oases at the pool grounds where people might be able to get a little bit of respite.
“A lot of these communities don’t have a cinema they can take their kids to, they don’t have a bowling alley but what we can provide to them is a pool.
“I think of families also who might have three or four children and heatwave conditions...it would cost them $100 a week to go for five swims, so if we could just ease the burden for everybody during this drought period.”
Cr Neil Westcott believed it was a great trial to undertake.
Prior to the unanimous decision to allow free entry, Cr Allan Ward asked where the money would come from to cover the costs.
Mr Howard said the money could be reallocated from areas such as roadworks, footpaths, parks and gardens or the airport.
Cr Ken Keith suggested it could be taken from the $1 million Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced for councils on Sunday in Forbes for drought-related initiatives.
“At this stage, it will come out of the 2018-19 budget,” General Manager Kent Boyd said.
Mr Boyd also said council will need to monitor the arrangement throughout the season.
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