A Cumberland Council report found that when comparing attendance at its five swim centres during the peak season being October to March, visitors to the Guildford, Granville and Merrylands swim centres, where patrons attend largely due to heat and recreation, had
decreased.
It stated that a reduction in fees would assist with accessibility, affordability and heat
mitigation for residents, help drive up visitor numbers and make the centres competitive.
The proposed changes at those three pools – subject to community consultation – will include free entry for ages four years and under be changed to five years and under, adult entry fee reduced from $8 to $7, child entry fee from $5.90 to $5 and family pass from $25 to $18
While the loss in income would be approximately $100,000 for the remainder of the year, the council believes it could be offset by an increase in attendance due to the reduced fees.
“Further, with the predicted El Niño climate pattern, pool utilisation will likely increase and assist with any potential budget shortfall,” the council said.
Cut pool entry to boost visits
POOL entry fees could be slashed at Guildford, Granville and Merrylands swim centres to make them more accessible and stop the decline in patronage.
