Hepburn Shire Council has resolved to establish a representative community panel to help inform the future direction of aquatics across the local government area.
The Council has also released the final Indoor Aquatics Provision Feasibility Study and Business Case to the community.
Mayor, Tony Clark said that like many other public outdoor pools across Victoria, Hepburn Shire’s pools are near or at the end of their useful life and in need of significant investment to remain operational.
“After considering the cost of construction and ongoing operation, along with the likelihood of securing external funding, Officers recommended that we do not pursue the development of a new indoor aquatic facility in the Shire at this time. Although the financing of an indoor aquatic facility will be difficult, Councillors felt the community panel should have this as an option to work through,” he said.
“Acknowledging how important aquatics are, Council will create a community panel to develop the future of aquatics, including the role of outdoor pools and other natural aquatic opportunities across our Shire, and will consider a term of reference of that panel at the August Council meeting.”
With an eye on long term sustainability, managing budget risks and avoiding overinvestment in assets with an uncertain future, Council also resolved to set an expenditure cap of $150,000 per pool for any urgent major repairs or works required during the 2026/27 pool season to keep the pools safe and operational.
Council noted that its Priority Projects document, adopted in February, includes an advocacy action calling for a dedicated funding program from state and federal governments to substantially support the refurbishment and improvement of rural and regional outdoor aquatic facilities.
“Council understands the strong connection that many residents have with their local pools and the importance of planning carefully for the future,” said Mayor Clark.
“Our outdoor pools have been valued gathering places for generations, and Council recognises the important role they play in supporting health, wellbeing and community connection. We look forward to opening for a fantastic 2026/27 summer season.
“Local government and our community are in difficult financial times, and difficult decisions will need to be made. We will be pursuing all possible funding opportunities however these are not guaranteed.”
Council says the community panel will play an important role in hearing from residents, pool users, clubs and stakeholders so that future decisions are informed by local knowledge, priorities and needs. Community engagement will focus on financially feasible and responsible future options for aquatics provision.
View the 33-page Aquatics Provision Feasibility Study and Business Case.
