Tamworth Regional Council votes to open two seasonal pools despite high level drought restrictions

August 28, 2019

Tamworth Regional Council has voted unanimously in favour of opening two of its seasonal swimming pools for the coming summer - the South and West Tamworth War Memorial Swimming (Scully Park) Pool and the Kootingal War Memorial Swimming Pool.

With the Council currently impacted by level four water restrictions and the town's primary water supply, Chaffey Dam, continuing to dry up, the seasonal pool openings will come at the expense of the Council's drought management plan which authorises water restrictions across the region.

Under its own level five restrictions, the Council is advised not to open any public pools.

At a Council meeting last night, Tamworth Deputy Mayor Phil Betts moved the amendment which called on the Council to open the pools after hearing the benefits each pool brings to their communities in hosting recreational activities, swimming saquads and learn-to-swim programs.

Estimating it would take about 8000 litres to fill each pool for the season, Councillor Betts said the pools would likely be filled with bore water.

While the drought affecting many parts of Australia may have slipped from the news headlines, communities such as that of the Tamworth region are facing austere water restrictions with Councils needing to find solutions to reduce water usage.

In 2011, Sydney Water released Best practice guidelines for water management in aquatic leisure centres.

Click here to view the guidelines.

Images shows the South and West Tamworth War Memorial Swimming Pool.

26th August 2019 - Work commences on redevelopment of Townsville’s Tobruk Memorial Baths

19th August 2019 - Zelbrite Filter Media technology reduces aquatic centres’ water use during filtration

5th August 2019 - Attendances rise and water consumption falls at Western Australian aquatic centres

7th March 2019 - Moree Plains Shire Council concerns over drought impact on established trees

6th February 2019 - Climate change set to impact Australia’s summer sporting calendar

17th January 2019 - Tamworth Regional Council to develop $60 million aquatic centre

13th September 2018 - NSW Office of Sport releases guidance on Managing sport surfaces during drought

18th May 2017 - Tamworth Council brings forward new aquatic centre commitment

29th May 2016 - Australian references removed from UN climate change report over ‘tourism concerns’

23rd March 2016 - Tamworth Regional Playground combines adventure, exercise, fun innovation and nature

25th April 2015 - Western Queensland drought impacts local sport

19th July 2014 - Southern Australia faces water crisis by end of century due to climate change

6th October 2013 - Mount Isa splash pad operations threatened by drought

18th May 2011 - Prime Minister opens Tamworth Sports Dome

16th May 2011 - Water Management in Aquatic Centres: Best Practice Guidelines

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