The Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council has proposed that pool hours in the east of the shire be drastically cut for the 2016/17 summer season.
After reviewed the operations of the pools at Braidwood, Bungendore and Captains Flat, Council has adopted a motion endorsing expenditure of $100,000 for safety treatments and increased operating expenditure by $31,753 to accommodate two staff on duty at each site at all times.
Under the adopted program the Braidwood pool will be open from 29 October-28 February, Wednesday-Sunday from 12pm-7pm, Bungendore open from 29 October-28 February, Monday-Sunday 12pm-7pm, and Captains Flat Pool will open from 28 November-29 January, Monday-Sunday from 12pm-7pm.
Council’s Administrator, Mr Tim Overall said “The review identified a number of health and safety issues with the pools and addressing these issues is the priority of Council. These works will ensure the pools can operate for the 2016-17 summer season, however the review has identified further works are required for future seasons.
"The increase to two staff on duty at any one time will provide increased safety to users, but will also provide certainty around the opening hours of the pools. To accommodate the increased supervision, some adjustments have been required to be made to the opening time of the pools and the length of their season.”
Some of the safety improvements include, surface and tile repairs the construction of a chemical shed at Bungendore, upgrades to the Braidwood and Captains Flat chemical storage areas, purchase of a defibrillator for all three sites, increased privacy in the change rooms and a new pool blanket at Captains Flat.
Following an outcry from pool users a meeting has been organised for Wednesday August 17 at 6pm at the council meeting room on Park Lane, Braidwood. All interested residents are welcome to attend.
