Wollongong’s Continental Pool is a gift – what’s our legacy to the people of Wollongong 100 years from now? Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Dedicated Wollongong swimmers who hoped to continue their evening laps through winter might be disappointed this year – but there is a silver lining.
The Continental Pool in Wollongong operates at reduced hours in the winter months, from 6 am til 2 pm Tuesday to Sunday, with a closure on Monday.
Throughout the rest of the year it operates from 6 am til 6 pm, or 7 pm during the height of summer, Thursday to Tuesday, and 6 am to 2 pm on Wednesdays.
Throngs of swimmers turned up to Wollongong City Council on Monday 7 April, to back a call from independent councillor Andrew Anthony and Greens councillor Kit Docker to investigate the cost of extending the pool’s opening hours to 6 am to 6 pm year-round.
The petitioners highlighted the social, physical and mental health benefits of the free pool, especially for those with a disability or on a low income.
Labor councillor David Brown put an amendment to the motion, and requested the information about costs and benefits of extended opening hours be provided for all pools and included in the upcoming Aquatic and Indoor Sports Strategy.
“If this is an issue at one pool presumably it’s an issue at others,” he said.
“We spend [about] $18.3 million on aquatic services – I don’t see how we can extend opening hours at a free pool for a neutral cost.
“By the same token, our free, year-round ocean pools are a huge drawcard for locals and visitors.
“This motion is on the right track but let’s broaden it out, see how we can resource it and what we are offering at all our pools.”
Labor councillor Dan Hayes supported the call to look at the potential costs and benefits for all pools, as did Labor councillor Linda Campbell.
She said equity was more important than pleasing a small group of people.
“In Dapto your only option is to pay for a swim all year round,” she said.
“There’s no beach and no free pool.
“In this place it’s often easy to find the popular way to solve a problem and send people away happy.
“I’m not comfortable doing that. We have to do it properly, look at in the context of our strategy, the whole city and equity.”
Independent councillor Ryan Morris backed the amendment as well.
He said the Helensburgh community had pushed for a similar extension to their pool opening hours for a number of years and were still waiting.
Cr Morris also highlighted safety concerns in the shortest days of the year when it may be dark before 6 pm.
Cr Anthony voted against the amendment, as he was hopeful extended hours for the Continental Pool could be implemented this season.
All other councillors voted in favour. The amendment was adopted and then carried unanimously.
