Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

‘People power’ keeps Newcastle pools open

‘People power’ keeps Newcastle pools open
December 11, 2013

Advocates objecting to Newcastle City Council plans to cut operating hours and increase admission prices at the Beresfield and Stockton Swimming Centres have welcomed a change of heart by the Council.

After a series of public protests, Newcastle City Council General Manager Ken Gouldthorp has announced that both pools would stay open until 5pm on weekends at least until Australia Day to give residents a chance to show there is enough demand to warrant the cost.

Facing a major budget deficit, Newcastle City Council has planned to close the pools at 3pm on weekends over summer.

Beresfield Swimming Club President Greg Skinner welcomed the move by the Council and believes that residents will continue to back the pools through summer.

Skinner explained "it's exactly what we were after."

The Council now wants more patrons to use the facilities long-term, with Gouldthorp stating "the extended hours will be in place until Australia Day and we will review attendances to see if the extended hours need to be maintained.

"This decision will provide the opportunity for (users) to demonstrate how important they are through attendance numbers.

"It needs to be very clear that the continuation of these hours will depend on patronage."

Hundreds of residents had protested about the plans to cut operating hours and increase admission prices.

Future management of the Beresfield Swimming Centre may be undertaken by the Beresfield Bowling Club, with the Club indicating that it would consider partnering with Newcastle City Council to run ageing facilities in the suburb, including the swimming pool.

A Council masterplan for the precinct surrounding the club, which includes the pool, ovals, tennis courts and club houses, is due for completion next year.

13th November 2013 - PROTESTS OVER NEWCASTLE CITY COUNCIL SWIMMING POOL CHARGES


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

The Pool Enclosure Company

Now TPEC Pool Enclosures - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/tpec-pool-enclosures

read more

Aquatics / Design / Recreation / Venues

 
 

24/7 Software

The world's greatest properties run on 24/7 Software Whether at commercial properties, corporate facilities, sports arenas, or public entertainment venues, we're proud to lead the way in…

read more

Entertainment / Security / Sport / Technology / Venues

 
 

METRA Australia

With industry leading solutions in design and durability you can improve your facilities with our access control operations, payment systems and flexible personal locker storage solutions. Your…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Fitness / Recreation / Security

 
 

Envibe

With its sleek good looks and easy-to-use yet powerful functionality, Envibe is the premium fitness club software for the Australasian leisure, recreation and fitness industry. We are the most…

read more

Aquatics / Fitness / Recreation / Technology

 
 

SLE WORLDWIDE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

SLE Worldwide Australia is a Managing General Underwriter specialising in insuring risks in the world of Sports, Leisure and Entertainment. Be it relaxing, playing, organising or watching sports,…

read more

Insurance / Venues

 
 

GymMaster

Contact: Australia: (+61) 1800 849 001 New Zealand: (+64) 3 668 5727 International: (+1) 415 915 0375

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology

 
 

Spill Station Australia

Compliant chemical storage and decanting solutions. Includes spill kits, spill containment pallets, chemical decanting decks and safety shower and eyewash equipment. See our full range of solutions

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Security / Venues

 
 

AAC

Welcome to AAC – makers of the world’s best wristbands, lanyards, tickets, tokens and full-service print solutions. We are Australia’s premier global manufacturer and supplier of…

read more

Access / Marketing / Safety / Ticketing

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business