The future of the shire’s swimming pools is a hot topic.
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About 230 people have voiced their opinions in an online survey conducted by Eurobodalla Shire Council and at least 100 hard copy surveys have been submitted, community and corporate director Kerry Foster said.
Council is printing more hard copy surveys to meet the high demand.
“Council has resupplied the pools with 300 extra forms in early January due to the higher than expected levels of participation, so we are very optimistic of a good response rate,” Ms Foster said.
The survey makes up part of council’s review into the management of the three swimming pools.
The current swimming pool contract with the YMCA, which operates the three shire pools, expires in June.
Council will pay a consultant $25,000 to review the way the pools are operated and to prepare a new business model.
Council hopes the new model will reduce the financial burden of the shire’s pools while maximising community benefit.
“The Swimming Pool Review (of which the survey is a component) will provide council with recommendations on the best management arrangements for the pools,” Ms Foster said.
“This could include options such as council managing the pools directly, or one contractor being appointed to manage all three pools, or each pool being managed by a separate contractor.”
Following the review, councillors will hold workshops next month before the tender is issued in March.
“The thing at the forefront of our minds is that these are community pools,” Ms Foster said.
“It’s important that whatever we put out to tender is reflective of the community’s views.”
The survey is available on council’s website and closes on January 25.