IT is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the Glenthompson Swimming Pool closure. The decision was made following careful consideration at this week’s April Council meeting.

 While undoubtedly disappointing, I want to assure you that this decision was not made lightly and that your community’s well-being remains our top priority. Glenthompson has faced its share of challenges in recent years, with the loss of the school and pub weighing heavily on the community’s spirit. I understand that another closure is a bitter pill to swallow, and I share in your disappointment.

The Glenthompson Swimming Pool is facing significant challenges. High operational costs and low usage rates have rendered the pool financially unsustainable. Despite efforts to address critical structural issues and outdated infrastructure, the cost per swim remains disproportionately high, making it difficult to justify continued operation. The decision to close the pool was influenced by several factors, chief among them being the changing demographics and usage patterns in our region. As young people move away and our population ages, the demand for certain amenities inevitably declines.

I understand the impact this closure will have on our community, especially for those who have cherished memories and valued recreational activities at the pool. I want to express my sincere appreciation to the 137 individuals who voiced their support for saving the pool through a petition presented to Council in December. Your passion and dedication to our community have not gone unnoticed.

Throughout this process, Council has explored various options, including community ownership and the reintroduction of entry fees. However, these measures proved inadequate to address the pool’s underlying challenges. We also considered the health and social benefits that the pool provides, but unfortunately, the data suggests minimal usage and impact in these areas.

 We hope that the people of Glenthompson are able to make use of the other pools in the area such as Dunkeld and Lake Bolac, both of which are within 15 minutes of the area.

In light of these realities, we must now look to alternative investments that better align with our community’s needs and priorities. We are exploring options to enhance Lions Park, with plans for upgraded amenities that will benefit residents of all ages.

Additionally, we are actively pursuing the acquisition of the old school building from the state government. This space holds immense potential for community-driven initiatives, from men’s sheds to art schools to boutique shops. Our aim is to create a vibrant hub that celebrates the spirit of Glenthompson and fosters connection among its residents.

While the closure of Glenthompson Pool is undoubtedly a loss, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter for our community. As we navigate this period of transition, I urge you to remain engaged and vocal about your needs and aspirations for the town.

The recommendation presented to council around the future of the pools will still have to be taken onboard in future council meetings. Numbers must be scrutinised in order to curb our costings and better live within our means. It is likely that this could take the form of a further rationalisation of local swimming pools.

The problem is that the cost of replacing any of our swimming pools once they come to the end of their lives is exorbitant. The fewer pools we have, the better we are positioned to keep the remaining ones at a high standard and provide the best possible outcome for the Shire.

I would finally like to add that the Emerging from Darkness exhibition has been extended until Tuesday 16 April due to the extraordinary success of the show. If you haven’t been down yet please take this final opportunity to soak up some culture and witness some truly remarkable works of art right in the heart of the community.