Alexandra Falls
THE Mitchell Shire Council says that as it is, the Broadford Outdoor Pool has reached ‘the end of its effective life’.
The pool, which has serviced the Broadford community for decades, will not be open over the summer season and council are investigating whether to reopen it at all.
Mayor Graeme Coppell said the outdoor facility is plagued with structural problems, the pool itself is sliding down the hill it was built on and cracks have appeared in the concrete.
The pool’s machinery is also very old and the filter floods every time it rains.
Mayor Coppell said that Worksafe have looked at the facility and they’re not happy.
“It’s over; we’ve come to the realisation we can’t do anything else,” he said.
The pool will need a large sum of money to be made safe for swimming and Mayor Coppell said there is little chance it will be reopened.
“It’s the responsible decision.” he said.
“It’s not a viable option to fix it; it’s just throwing good money after bad.”
He said the closure is an opportunity for Broadford to look at having a better pool in a different location.
A Broadford resident who did not wish to be named said many people are disappointed the pool will not be reopened.
“For kids it was one of the only things to do in town during the summer,” they said.
“They’ll definitely miss it.”
A feasibility study to consider Broadford’s swimming pool future will now be undertaken before Christmas and the findings referred to a council meeting early next year.
Community information sessions are being held this week for residents wishing to know more about the pool or swimming options. For more details call Gerard Feain, Leisure Services Manager, on 5734 6356.
