Temperatures rising as WCC razor gang targets amenities
Temperatures rising as WCC razor gang targets amenities
March 27, 2008
Section: News
Machines could replace staff at Corrimal Pool as Wollongong City Council attempts to reduce expenditure. Entry fee collection, currently the responsibility of kiosk staff at the pool (who are contracted by Council) could be transferred to an automated system, possibly similar to the ones used at many train stations, as the current system is reviewed.
Automation is one of a range of options, including the retention of the current system, being investigated by Council as they attempt to spend within their means.
A decision to close most of the city’s pools, including Corrimal, on Easter Friday caused some controversy.
Council’s Aquatic Services Co-ordinator Peter Wilson told the Wollongong and Northern Leader that the closures were decided on because records show severe drops in patronage on previous Good Fridays.
“In general terms patronage is down by about half and the cost of running the facility costs twice as much - we’re talking in the vicinity of $10,000 (across all the pools),” he said.
Mr Wilson wanted to make it very clear that the city’s pools don’t make a profit and are heavily subsidised.
He said money made from the facilities doesn’t come close to being able to pay for their ongoing upkeep.
However Corrimal Swim Club President David Swan said if the city’s pools are not running efficiently enough Council should be looking at why more people aren’t using them.
Mr Swan said the focus should be on developing ways to increase usage, rather than thinking of other ways to save money.
He said increasing the water temperature at Corrimal Pool, while expensive, would attract more local residents and visitors from other areas to utilise the facilities.
Mr Wilson said any local residents with concerns about the pool can contact Wollongong City Council directly.
“(Residents should) contact Council and they’ll be put through to the relevant people,” Mr Wilson said.
“We’re not faceless bureaucrats, we get out in the community and talk to people.”
