Council to introduce changes to aquatic service operations

Council will introduce some changes to aquatics operations in the 2024/2025 season (7 December 2024 to 10 March 2025). 

Bradley Thomas, Hepburn Shire Council CEO, said entry to pools will remain free for the 2024/2025 season and that there will be new pool opening times. 

“We’re pleased to be offering free entry to our Shire’s pools once again this season. Changes to operations, in particular a reduction to opening times, is based on analysis of previous patronage data and anticipated community peak use.” 

“When we were developing our Financial Vision, we looked at every Council service to see whether we could find efficiencies. As we continue this work to review services and implement our financial vision, we anticipate some ongoing changes to our service delivery to make them more efficient and cost effective for our community.”  

“We are committed to keeping you informed of service changes. The changes we are making to pool hours will enable us to be more efficient and deliver services in a cost-effective way by opening when there is the most demand,” said Mr Thomas. 

Council operates pools in Daylesford, Trentham and Clunes, along with a Splash Park and Toddlers pool in Creswick.  Pools are closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and when the next day weather prediction is 21 degrees and below (Bendigo forecast for Clunes and Ballarat forecast for Daylesford and Trentham). 

Council has made a significant investment in pool improvements, with over $320,000 invested in pool repair works prior to opening this season. This work includes leak remediation at all outdoor pools; painting of Clunes, Daylesford and Trentham outdoor pools; installation of a new backwash and pool operation system at Calembeen Park Toddler Pool; and compliance works at all aquatic facilities. 

“We’re looking forward to another busy and successful aquatics season. There’s been lots of work happening behind the scenes to get our facilities ready. This season we will continue to stock popular healthy kiosk options in our facilities in line with our commitment to fostering health and wellbeing in our community,” said Mr Thomas.   

The VicSwim ‘learn to swim’ program will be offered again in the 2024/2025 season and Council will explore opportunities for events and other pool activation.  

Council will communicate unforeseen changes to pool operations, for example closures due to reactive maintenance or vandalism, on its website at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/pools  

Revised Pool Opening Times