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After significant community consultation a decision has been made on the management and operation of swimming pools across the region, the MidCoast Council has announced that there will be no changes to operating hours of its seasonal pools in Bulahdelah, Krambach, Nabiac and Stroud, with all to remain unsupervised with access to controlled through an electronic entry system.

The cost of season membership at these pools for 2024/25 will be $50 per adult (16+), $40 for concession holders and children under 16 will be free, as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

It was also agreed that the swimming season would coincide with eastern daylight savings time and there would be no change to the opening times of pools.

The review into the swimming pool operations revealed they are subsidised at around $2.55 million per year by the ratepayers and common themes heard from the community during the consultation period were that pools are important to the social, recreational, sporting, health and cultural community hubs.

Councillors decided that these themes have been taken into consideration during the process.

Tenders will shortly open for small operators and community groups interested in managing Wingham and Tea Gardens pools. There will be no additional changes to the Gloucester Pool.

Agreed at Wednesday's ordinary Council meeting, Councillors also advised that Belgravia Leisure will take over the running of the Manning Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Taree and the Great Lakes Aquatic Centre following a successful in tender.

The contract is for three years with the option for two additional one year extensions.

Taking over from the YMCA, Belgravia Leisure will reportedly retain all existing staff at both locations and continue to run both facilities with gym and aqua classes continuing, with the new operator to roll over all current YMCA memberships for facility users.

The Council expects the contract will be in place for 1st July this year to allow transition.

The Council, located on the NSW Mid North Coast, is also undertaking two important engagement projects - the Draft MidCoast LEP and the review of the Community Strategic Plan.

Images: Manning Aquatic and Leisure Centre (top) and the Great Lakes Aquatic Centre (below).

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