Pools continue to deliver community benefits

Published on 02 October 2026

Strong community participation, popular programs and improved operational efficiency across the shire’s aquatic facilities were among the highlights of the 2025/26 Loddon Shire swimming pool season.

As we gear up for the opening of the five Loddon Shire swimming pools for 2026/27, a report has been released on the 2025/26 season.

Pools were open for about 90 per cent of the scheduled season, with some closures required due to adverse weather and operational issues.

The Pyramid Hill Pool experienced a delayed opening due to leaks, while the Mitiamo Pool was temporarily closed for three days to address water quality concerns.

Despite these challenges, several successful programs and activities were delivered throughout the summer.

Early morning swimming sessions continued to attract strong community support, while the ‘Learn to Swim in Loddon’ program reached capacity and provided important water safety education for local children.

Council also hosted 12 community events across its pool network, including movie nights, pool parties and lawn game activities, while aqua aerobics programs attracted 514 attendances during the season.

Discounted entry and half-price memberships at the Wedderburn, Inglewood and Mitiamo pools were made possible through a financial contribution from the Inglewood and District Community Bank. The program also supported swimming lessons for local children.

A further financial contribution from Healthy Loddon Campaspe helped fund early morning swimming at Pyramid Hill.

Across the season, the five pools recorded 16,185 visits, down from 17,517 visits the previous year.

The decrease was linked to weather-related closures, operational interruptions and the return to full-price entry at Boort and Pyramid Hill.

Operating expenditure across the pool network totalled $762,674, representing a reduction of $70,442, or 8.5 per cent, compared with the previous season.

Lower maintenance and staffing costs contributed to the savings, helping improve operational efficiency. As a result, the cost per swim reduced slightly from $47.56 to $47.12.

Loddon Shire Mayor Dan Straub said Council acknowledged that operating public pools was a significant investment but the facilities provided important social, recreational and health benefits for local communities.

“The pools support active lifestyles, provide safe supervised environments for swimming and create opportunities for people of all ages to connect and participate in community activities,” he said.

“This report also highlights future challenges, including ageing infrastructure, increasing maintenance requirements and the need for ongoing investment in pool shells, plant rooms and plumbing systems.

“Investment in the Pyramid Hill Pool infrastructure will result in an improved user experience and significant improvements in water use efficiency.

“These considerations will form part of Council’s future planning, including the forthcoming Aquatic Service Review.

“Overall, the 2025/26 season demonstrated the continued value of Loddon’s aquatic facilities, with strong community support, successful programs and positive health and wellbeing outcomes delivered across the shire.

“But as we look towards the opening of the 2026/27 season (at this stage scheduled for Saturday 21 November), I’d like to stress that the best defence we have for keeping pools open is that they are used, and I encourage residents to make the most of the facilities over the months they are open.”

Council operates five outdoor swimming pools in Boort, Wedderburn, Inglewood, Mitiamo and Pyramid Hill. The facilities are managed by Belgravia Leisure under contract, with Council responsible for maintenance and oversight.