Council drops unpopular temperature trigger and opens outdoor pools for free on Fridays

This summer, Wellington Shire Council’s outdoor pools are rolling out exciting new changes to improve the swimming experience for both residents and visitors. Changes include guaranteed opening hours at all pools, a longer summer season at the Yarram Pool, and the launch of Free Swim Fridays at all sites.

Following community consultation where Council heard feedback from over 500 local people, these improvements aim to provide more opportunities for everyone to enjoy the water and make the most of the summer season in Wellington.  

The biggest change this season is guaranteed opening hours at all outdoor pools, so they’ll be open every day, regardless of temperature. This update means the pools no longer rely on the old 25-degree temperature rule, a change based directly on community feedback.

Now, outdoor pools (except for Yarram) will open daily and stay open longer on days when the temperature reaches 24 degrees. The Yarram Pool will have a different schedule, staying open later on specific days but closing on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays outside of school holidays when fewer people use the pool. During school holidays, the Yarram Pool will open every day and offer Free Swim Fridays, just like other pools.

Yarram Pool - For the first time, the Yarram Pool will extend its season to 19 weeks, from Monday 25 November 2024, to Sunday 6 April 2025—four weeks longer than usual. Guaranteed opening hours and Free Swim Fridays will be offered all season.

Season breakdown:

• Off-Peak: Monday 25 November 2024 - Thursday 12 December 2024
• Peak (school holidays): Friday 13 December 2024 - Sunday 26 January 2025
• Off-Peak: Monday 27 January 2025 - Sunday 6 April 2025

Rosedale Outdoor Pool - Rosedale’s season will run for 10.5 weeks, from Friday 13 December 2024, to Friday 28 February 2025, with daily guaranteed hours, Free Swim Fridays, and extended hours on days over 24°C.

Season breakdown:

• Peak (school holidays): Friday 13 December 2024 - Sunday 26 January 2025
• Off-Peak: Monday 27 January 2025 - Friday 28 February 2025

Sale (Aqua Energy), Maffra, Heyfield, and Stratford Outdoor Pools - These pools will have a 15-week season from Friday 13 December 2024 to Sunday 30 March 2025, with daily guaranteed hours, Free Swim Fridays, and extended hours on days over 24°C.

Season breakdown:

• Peak (school holidays): Friday 13 December 2024 - Sunday 26 January 2025
• Off-Peak: Monday 27 January 2025 - Sunday 30 March 2025

Lap swimming will remain available at Sale and Maffra outdoor pools during designated hours.

Wellington Shire Council CEO David Morcom was extremely pleased to announce changes to this year’s summer swim season.

"We knew we needed to make changes this season, so we listened to the community and made meaningful adjustments to suit their needs. By engaging with the community early on, we gave ourselves time to consult, prepare, and update our services. Our communities biggest requests were to remove the unpopular temperature trigger, and to offer guaranteed opening hours. We are happy that we can offer that across every pool this season."

“Last summer, over 27,000 people enjoyed Wellington's outdoor pools, and with 20 new lifeguards now on board, this year is shaping up to be even bigger. Our regional pools are the perfect place to cool off and have fun, and we can’t wait to welcome residents and visitors back this summer”. Mr Morcom said.

All outdoor pools will be closed on Christmas Day.

For a full list of operating hours, visit www.wellington.vic.gov.au/pools or contact Wellington Shire Council’s Leisure Services team on 03 5142 3700.

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