February 2020 Adopted 25 Feb 2020 - Shire of Indigo...The 2019 Indigo Swimming Pools Development Plan is informed by local data, strategic directions and state policy. Indigo Shire

2020 Swimming Pools Development Plan Update

February 2020 – Adopted 25 Feb 2020

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Contents

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3

2. Strategic Context ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Indigo Shire Demographics ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 5

Indigo Shire Council Plan 2017-2021 .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Active Indigo Recreation Plan ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 5

Community Aquatics Feedback ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

2012 Indigo Swimming Pool Development Plan ..................................................................................................................................................... 8

2017/18 Victorian Public Pools – State of the Sector Report .............................................................................................................................. 9

3. Indigo Pool Operations ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 10

Hours of operations ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Attendance ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11

Fees and charges ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12

4. Beechworth Swimming Pool ............................................................................................................................................................................. 13

Operational Assessment ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Technical Assessment .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15

5. Chiltern Swimming Pool ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 18



6. Rutherglen War Memorial Swimming Pool ................................................................................................................................................ 22



7. Tangambalanga Swimming Pool ..................................................................................................................................................................... 27



8. Yackandandah Swimming Pool ........................................................................................................................................................................ 31



9. Key Findings and Recommendations ............................................................................................................................................................. 35

Season Length and Hours of Operation .................................................................................................................................................................. 35

Programming ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 35

Beechworth Swimming Pool........................................................................................................................................................................................ 36

Water Play Infrastructure .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 37

Pools Maintenance Works............................................................................................................................................................................................ 37

10. Implementation plan ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 39

Capital Renewal Implementation Plan ..................................................................................................................................................................... 39

Council Budget Implications........................................................................................................................................................................................ 42

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1. Introduction

Indigo Shire Council owns and operates five outdoor swimming pools across the municipality to provide aquatics

opportunities for residents and visitors of the Shire. These facilities are highly valued by the community, and they

significantly contribute to community members being physically and mentally active and healthy.

In 2012 Indigo Shire Council adopted the Indigo Swimming Pool Development Plan. The Swimming Pool

Development Plan was created to guide Council in strategic decisions for the future operation and enhancement

of its swimming pools and included significant stakeholder and community consultation. Since the plan’s

adoption Council has invested a total of $629,747 into swimming pool infrastructure improvements across all five

sites and refined the operating model to ensure the high-quality delivery of aquatics services for the community.

The purpose of this report is to review updated operational and technical assessments undertaken to further

inform Council strategic facility decisions for its five outdoor swimming pools. This report builds upon Council’s

2012 Pool Development Plan and Technical Assessment.

This plan update acknowledges Council’s position to declare a climate change emergency and the impacts

climate change has on the services offered at the pools. With an increase in Heat Health Alerts issued during

summer periods, pools are being offered to the community with free entry and longer hours in order to support

the community in finding relief during these periods of heat. As the climate change landscape evolves Council’s

pool facilities will provide an increase in service to the community in order to support the community through the

impacts of climate change.

Methodology

To inform the 2019 Swimming Pools Development Plan Update the following actions have been undertaken:

Strategic review of existing aquatics policies and strategies

Review of community aquatics feedback received via various engagement initiatives

Review of demographic data

Operational review of each facility

Visual inspection of pool structures by Don Pope, Project Management Engineer at Indigo Shire Council

Condition and compliance inspection of each facility by WJ Pratt Pty Ltd

Leak detection inspections by Flowtec Leak Detection Services at Rutherglen and Yackandandah pools

Summary of key findings and recommendations

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2. Strategic Context

The 2019 Indigo Swimming Pools Development Plan is informed by local data, strategic directions and state

policy.

Indigo Shire Demographics

The latest (2018) estimated residential population for Indigo is 16,490 people1. Census data from 2016 indicated

the Indigo community has increased by 5.1% or 771 people between 2011 and 2016. Significant growth of

around 64% has been experienced in the over 50 age group with 7209 people living in the Shire in this age

group.

Beechworth is the largest township in Indigo Shire and has the highest median resident age of 51. Children aged

0 - 14 years made up 16.2% of the town’s population and people aged 65 years and over made up 27.4% of the

population which is the highest proportion compared with other towns across Indigo Shire. 2

Tangambalanga is experiencing significant growth and has the youngest median age across Indigo Shire of 40.

Children aged 0 - 14 years made up 24.7% of the town’s population, which is the highest proportion compared

with other Indigo Shire towns, and residents aged 65 years and over made up 14.0% of the town population

which is the lowest proportion compared with other towns. 3

Indigo Shire Council Plan 2017-2021

This plan is informed by, and aligns with, the Indigo Shire Council Plan 2017-2021. A key strategic theme in the

Council Plan is ‘Supporting our people and our communities’ with the strategic objective 1.1 Our community

members are physically and mentally healthy and active. The key strategies to achieve this objective include:

Promote physical and mental health and resilient communities through the Municipal Public Health and

Wellbeing Plan

Deliver infrastructure to meet the health and wellbeing needs of the community

Support a broad range of recreational activities

One of the key Council Plan strategic actions linked to this plan is 1.1.1 Update the pool development plan to

consider opportunities for pool enhancements.

Active Indigo Recreation Plan

The vision of Active Indigo Recreation Plan is “Indigo Shire is a healthy, connected and active community”. The

Active Indigo Recreation Plan identifies the role physical activity can play in the health and wellbeing of the

community. 20.5% of Indigo Shire residents over the age of 15 report that they do not undertake any physical

activity and 49.9% of residents report that they are obese or pre-obese.

382 community members completed an online survey to provide input into the development of the Active Indigo

Recreation Plan. 56% of these respondents indicated that they currently participate in swimming; this was the

third highest physical activity type across the Shire. Survey respondents were asked if there were any activities

that they would like to do, but don’t currently do. The highest number of responses (48) related to swimming.

1 Remplan Community Profile, https://www.communityprofile.com.au/indigo 2 Remplan Community Profile, https://www.communityprofile.com.au/indigo 3 Remplan Community Profile, https://www.communityprofile.com.au/indigo

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Community members indicated longer hours, lessons, 50m swimming, heated swimming and all year swimming

were desired activities.

Survey respondents were asked to identify what could be done to encourage more people in the community to

be physically active, particularly those who are currently inactive. 23 respondents indicated that improving local

swimming pools would assist with encouraging physical activity e.g. proving increased swimming lessons,

extending swimming pool opening hours, develop a heated pool / hydrotherapy pool, heat existing pools .

Survey respondents were asked to identify improvements needed to meet current and future community demand

for sport and recreation. 11 respondents indicated improvements to swimming pools were required e.g. 50m,

heat all pools, upgrade change facilities, develop a water park, retain Council management of pools, develop an

indoor heated pool in the Shire, undertake better maintenance, extend hours.

As a result of consultant undertaken via the development of Active Indigo, the below Shire Wide priority was

identified:

‘Upgrade public swimming pools throughout the Shire to include solar heating, recreation programs, extended

operating hours and an extended season: Swimming is one of the most popular physical activities undertaken by

local residents. There was very strong support indicated through community consultation to upgrade pools,

increase water temperatures, expand the season and also provide additional programming at pools such as water

aerobics. Indigo Shire Council is currently working through its Pool Development Plan to upgrade pools.’

Community Aquatics Feedback

Council has recently undertaken consultation for several Council strategies which has informed the Indigo

Swimming Pool Development Plan update.

As noted above, the Active Indigo Recreation Plan was adopted in 2018 and included an extensive discussion with

the community on active recreation across the municipality including swimming and water activities. The

swimming pools were one of the highest priorities registered through the community consultation. The aquatics

service elements raised for Council consideration included:

Development of an indoor aquatics centre

Development of a small indoor heated hydrotherapy pool

Pools to be opened earlier in the mornings to cater for lap swimmers before work

The swimming pool season to be extended – open a month earlier and closing a month later

Various programs should take place at the pool to activate the facilities, e.g. water aerobics classes

Exploration of partnerships with community to deliver low cost place-based activities, supported by suitable

equipment, training and seed funding.

The 2019 Youth Strategy included detailed consultation particularly with the young people of Indigo Shire

Council. This strategy identifies the good provision of swimming pools across the municipality and that these

facilities provide an employment opportunity to young people. Young people identified the enhancement of

swimming pools and increasing the operating hours of the pools within the strategy.

The Indigo Ageing Well Strategy was adopted in 2019 which focused on identifying projects and initiatives to

promote wellbeing and inclusion for the aging Indigo community. The vision from the strategy was that “Indigo

Shire residents are connected and engaged with the community as they grow older; age is no barrier to inclusive,

respectful and accessible participation.” From the 500 resident responses, 410 surveys were completed, and 90

people attended hosted conversations. Enhancement of swimming pools for all abilities access was identified as

a key strategic action under priority area one: Outdoor Spaces and Buildings.

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2012 Indigo Swimming Pool Development Plan

The Indigo Swimming Pool Development Plan was adopted in 2012 providing a range of strategic

recommendations for Council consideration. To inform the 2019 Swimming Pool Development Plan Update the

following table summarises the outcomes delivered since the plan’s adoption.

Recommendation Status Outcomes

Install solar heating and blankets at all

outdoor pools

Complete Solar heating and blankets installed at Rutherglen, Beechworth and

Yackandandah.

Chiltern and Tangambalanga approved and scheduled for installation in

late 2019.

Provide additional aquatic leisure

features initially at Rutherglen Pool

Not

initiated

Funding not allocated to design and construct the aquatics leisure

features.

Improve shade across all outdoor

pools

Complete Indigo Shire Council has installed shade sails at all five pools mainly to

provide shade for toddlers and babies in the smaller pools.

At Yackandandah the Council has installed new shade structures to

improve surface area of solar water heating for the pool. At the

Beechworth pool the Council has installed shade sails on the opposite side

of the canteen and at the back of the pool to enhance and promote use of

the BBQ area for families.

Review management and budgets for

operations and pool coordinator

position.

Complete Indigo Shire Council has undertaken operational reviews since 2012. As

part of these reviews the Council has considered the role and position of

the pools coordinator position which is now incorporated as part of the

Recreation Officer role.

Consideration of splitting opening

hours and having two shifts

Complete Opening hours were varied based on the recommendation.

Work with swimming clubs to

investigate club access to pools for

training purposes outside “normal

season dates”

Complete Indigo Shire conducts regular communication with the swimming clubs

regarding their needs and operating dates. The introduction of solar

heating has allowed Council to work with the swimming clubs on early

morning swimming trials.

Council continues to support early

morning opening of its pools

Complete Early morning swimming operates at three of the five sites based on the

availability of solar heating at the sites.

Investigate a range of alternate leisure

and social programs and services that

could be offered at the pools

Initiated As part of the Get Active Indigo Initiatives grants have been awarded to

trial a winter/summer program of gentle exercise / Yoga in winter and

water aerobics in summer which will be hosted in Yackandandah and

Chiltern in 2019/20.

Develop a Marketing Plan and Annual

Business Plan for Indigo pools each

year

Initiated Council has had an annual promotions schedule for swimming pools using

Council’s suite of communication channels including social media, print

advertising and the Indigo Informer. In addition, the team has initiated a

swimming newsletter to engage and communicate with regular users and

interested parties of all five swimming pools. The Council also undertakes

marketing activities for community events at each site. Whilst this has

been undertaken, there is room to better formalise marketing and

business plans going forward.

Undertake management and

operations review every 2 years

Complete Council has undertaken various regular reviews of the operational model

to seek the most cost effective and community outcome driven model.

Council implemented a contract arrangement in 2016 for the provision of

labour and technology services to the swimming pools which has reduced

the labour and technology operating costs for Council since its

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implementation. In 2019, Council undertook a tender process to

investigate alternative management models for pools.

Deliver technical audit works Complete Council has delivered $176, 000 of maintenance works and $453,747 of

capital works across all five swimming pools from 2011/2012 to 2018/19

season totalling $629,747 of investment over seven years.

2017/18 Victorian Public Pools – State of the Sector Report

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) and Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) prepared the inaugural Victorian Public

Pools: State of the Sector Report. The report intended to provide a snapshot of the public pool industry and

providing data, information and research to improve analysis and informed decision making across the industry.

The report identifies the following key information:

On average there is one death per year in Victorian public pools

Two key contributing factors to fatal drowning deaths are lack of supervision and pre-existing medical

conditions

Safer Public Pools – Code of Practice was launched in October 2018 and supports public swimming pool

owners and operators to provide the highest levels of safety at their respective facilities in line with the

Royal Life Saving Society Australia Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations

In March 2018 the Victorian Government announced additional funding for schools to help contribute

to the cost of swimming lessons

The Royal Life Saving Society Australia have released a number of updates for the Guidelines for Safe

Pool Operations. The updated guidelines come into effect from November 2019 and aquatics operators

are advised to be aware of the changes and vary operations to ensure compliance. A key change in the

guidelines includes the increased expectation for 2 lifeguards on duty regardless of patronage,

especially in more remote rural locations where emergency response times are long. This is likely to

have a staffing cost impact for many providers and requires an individualised location bases risk

assessment to determine the appropriateness of 1 lifeguard.

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3. Indigo Pool Operations The following section provides an overview of the operational approach across all Indigo Shire swimming pools.

Hours of operations

The Indigo Shire swimming 2018/19 pool season was delivered from Saturday 10 November 2018 to Monday 11

March 2019 with a defined low and high season.

Low season

From 10 November to 16 December and 28 January to 11 March 2019.

Monday – Friday 3pm - 7pm

Saturday and Sunday 1pm - 7:30pm

High season

From 17 December to 27 January.

Monday – Friday 1pm - 7:30pm

Saturday and Sunday 12pm - 7:30pm

Early Morning Swimming

Monday to Friday 6am – 7.30am (Rutherglen and Beechworth)

Monday, Wednesday and Friday 6.30am – 8.30am (Yackandandah)

Extended season

Rutherglen Swimming Pool extended season is from 12 October 2019 to 9 November 2018 and 12 March 2019 to

6 April 2019.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday 6:30-7:30am

Tuesday, Thursday and Sat 5 -6pm

Yackandandah Swimming Pool extended season is from 11 March 201 – 05 April 2019.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday 6:30-7:30am

(Beechworth Swimming Pool extended season will be implemented in the 2019/20 season for 4 weeks after the

season close for Monday – Friday 6am – 7.30am)

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Attendance

Total attendance across the Indigo

Swimming Pools remained between

37,000 and 46,000 over the past five

years as shown in table 1. Variation in

attendance can be attributed to the

variation in seasonal temperatures

across the outdoor pool season and

inaccuracy in data collection across

some seasons or facilities. Ongoing

focus on ensuring a range of scheduled

programs and events for the outdoor

pools encourages sustainable use and

attendance at these facilities.

In 2018/19 the Indigo Swimming Pools bookings included:

118 Swim Club bookings

375 Vic Swim enrolments

14 Swimming Carnivals and Pennants

119 School bookings

17 Swim School Bookings

8 other – Scouts, triathlon, place making events, rotary/lions club event

3 days of free entry

Schools across Indigo Shire utilised the swimming pools to run school carnivals, learn to swim programs, practice

for representative carnivals outside the shire, as well as for completing courses such as the Bronze Medallion.

Each year Indigo Shire hosts two pennants as part of the Ovens and Murray Swimming Association program at

Beechworth and Rutherglen. Pennants are the pools’ highest attended events for the season.

Early morning swimming is becoming increasingly popular at locations with the introduction of solar heating.

Average attendance at Rutherglen, Beechworth and Yackandandah is estimated at 10 people per session, per

pool across the shire. This is becoming an essential community service.

VicSwim is delivered annually over 3 weeks in January across Chiltern, Tangambalanga, Beechworth and

Yackandandah Pools. Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) coordinate the program in consultation with

Council. Beechworth and Tangambalanga have delivered the full 3-week program. Yackandandah delivers a 2-

week program and Chiltern delivers a one-week program.

Private swim lessons are provided in Rutherglen, Chiltern and Beechworth.

The highest patronage pools are Beechworth, Rutherglen and Yackandandah. Rutherglen has a much higher

booking rate for schools than all other pools.

36791

4590841425

39,026 3730142,919

40,313

05000

100001500020000250003000035000400004500050000

Vis

its

Indigo Pools Attendance

Table 1 - Indigo Pools Annual Attendance

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Fees and charges

General entry fees 2018/19

Adult swim $5

Child swim, 10 - 18 years $4

Child swim, under 10, must be accompanied by an adult $3

Concession swim $4

Spectator $1

Pennant/Carnival $2

Family casual $17

Family casual concession $13

Family season ticket $200

Family season concession ticket $153

Adult season ticket $115

Child season ticket $87

Concession season ticket $87

Out of hours life guard fee, 0-2 hours $32.80 flat

fee

Out of hours life guard fee, 2 hours + $54.60 flat

fee

Schools 2018/19

Students $3.10

Spectator/teacher on pool deck No fee

Teacher in the water No fee

Early and late season entry fees 2018/19

Casual $5

Early season pass $50

Late season pass $50

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4. Beechworth Swimming Pool

Beechworth is the largest town within Indigo Shire with over 3,860 residents. The median age of Beechworth is 49

which is higher than the Victorian median age of 37. 4 Children and young people aged 0 – 19 make up 20.4% of

the population which is 787 residents and 1834 people in Beechworth are aged 40 – 70 years which makes up

47.5% of the Beechworth population.5

Beechworth Swimming Pool was built in 1978 and

is in Harper Street, Beechworth. The key facilities

include:

Outdoor solar heated 25m pool built in 1978,

vinyl lined 2008

Outdoor solar heated 9m x 4m toddler's pool

built in late 1978

Outdoor solar heated 5.0x2.0m babies pool

built in late 1978

Kiosk/cashier/change room building built in

1978 and renovated 2009

Plant room building built 1978 and renovated

2009

Shade structures

Perimeter fencing

During 2007 pool commissioning, the Beechworth pool shell cracked resulting in the pool’s closure for the

2007/2008 season. A pool liner was installed as part of rectification works in 2008 and the pool has successfully

operated for full seasons since this time.

Operational Assessment

The Beechworth Swimming Pool attendance over the past five years has varied, but overall has demonstrated a

significant increase compared with the 2012 Swimming Pools Development Plan data. As shown in table 2 over

the past five years the lowest season attendance was in 2018/19 (10,965 visits) and the 2014/15 season achieved

the highest attendance of 15,518 visits. In 2017/18 the Beechworth Swim Club provided estimates on attendance

only and accurate attendance data was not recorded. In 2018/19 a recording system of attendance was

implemented to provide more accurate data. Even with this variation, the 2018/19 attendance data was still

significantly higher than the average for the 2012 Pools Development Plan (see 2007-2011 data column),

indicating greater use of the swimming pool by the community in the past 6 years.

4 2016 Census QuickStats, https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/SSC20185?opendocument 5 Remplan Community, www.communityprofile.com.au/indigo

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Table 2 - Beechworth Swimming Pool Attendance

Beechworth Swimming Pool had a total of 124 bookings in 2018/19 season. This included bookings from four

schools, one private booking and regular bookings from Beechworth Swimming Club. Programming also

conducted at Beechworth Swimming Pool included VicSwim program. The Beechworth VicSwim program attracts

the highest attendance across the Shire with around 400 participants. Three free entry days were delivered by

Indigo Shire. The free entry days are aligned with a Christmas event and heatwave events in January.

Financial assessment

The following table provides the operating performance over the past three financial years.

Season Annual revenue Annual Expenditure Net Operating Cost

2015/16 $42,214 $108,246 -$66,032

2016/17 $43,632 $88,561 -$44,929

2017/18 $41,437 $90,835 -$49,398

In 2011/12 Beechworth Swimming Pool operated at a net cost of -$47,908. Whilst there have been increases in

labor and utility costs since this time, Indigo Shire Council has been able to achieve similar results for the last two

financial years. This can be attributed to changing the management and labour model and increased attendance

resulting in increased revenue from $27,268 in 2011/12 to $41,437 in 2017/18.

Revenue has fluctuated and is not consistent with the attendance data across the three-year period. The variation

between attendance and revenue can be attributed to a range of factors including inaccurate and incomplete

attendance data collation and the implementation of free entry swimming days resulting in increased attendance

however not increasing revenue.

Operational Summary

Beechworth Swimming Pool has seen a significant increase in attendance since the 2012 Swimming Pools

Development Plan was adopted. This increase has resulted in additional revenue being obtained by the Council

which has resulted in the net cost to Council of Beechworth Swimming Pool remaining steady over an 8-year

period.

7178

15518

12,375 11,679

15,413

10,965

02000400060008000

1000012000140001600018000

2007 -2011

averageattendance

2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

Vis

its

Attendance

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The bookings at Beechworth Swimming Pool indicates there is limited use of the space by community

organisations or businesses outside of local schools and the swimming club. With the proportion of residents

over 40 forecast to increase, a strong focus on enhancing programs and services to support greater use of the

swimming pool by these residents is recommended.

Technical Assessment

As part of the 2012 Swimming Pools Development Plan a technical condition and compliance assessment at

Beechworth Swimming Pool was undertaken of all buildings, pools and plant. The following assessment summary

was provided:

Improvements are required to the plant room and provision of safe, chemical storage.

Consideration should be given to the provision of a separate storage shed for the safe, segregated dry

storage of chemicals.

The structural integrity of the main pool is a concern, however the installation of the vinyl liner and ongoing

monitoring of the ground water should protect the main pool for at least another 15 years.

Council was advised that currently there is no indication of leakage from the pools, pipes or tanks, however,

further leakage tests are recommended given ground conditions to the site.

Pool pediments, pool surfacing water line tiles and concourse are all in average condition with the exception

of the cracked pediment to the north east side of the main pool. Concrete concourse, although narrow along

the sides of the main pool are in good condition.

The following improvements have been delivered over the past three financial years:

2016/17

New Pool handrails

Repair broken tiles

Padlock install for ballast tank

Replace window in plant room

New Chemical bunding storage for plant

New Commercial Pool vacuum

New backflow device

2017/18

New signage

Solar water heating

2018/19

New dosing machine

Painting Baby & toddler pool

Roof ventilation

2018 Inspection

In February 2018 Indigo Shire Council commissioned GHD to conduct an engineering inspection and technical

review of the Beechworth Swimming Pool infrastructure. The inspection was based on:

Visual Condition Assessment of Pool Assets

Visual Concrete Condition Assessment

Visual Structural Assessment

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The following outcomes were identified from the GHD inspection:

The concrete integrity was in line with the previous technical inspection in 2011

Whilst the main pool shell had been impaired through cracking along the centre of the pool, unless further

hydrostatic pressure of moment occurs, the vinyl liner should continue to provide a watertight shell

The liner is showing evidence of preliminary cracking that may be an indication of the future degradation

The biggest risk of the pool is assessed as being the potential for ground surface saturation and hydraulic

pressure against the eastern wall of the pool to occur when the pool is empty which will give rise to

floatation

It is concluded that the concrete pool is likely to function effectively over the next 10 -15 years provided the

pool liner provides an effective water seal and is maintained in reasonable condition.

Whilst the pool can be kept in a serviceable condition, concerns with the foundation conditions render it

unlikely to have a long term future.

If Council considers the pool complex requires a major upgrade GHD would not support the retention of this

pool.

2019 Inspection and Audits

The April 2019 visual inspection by Don Pope provided the following recommendations:

There is continued movement of the concourse pavement along the eastern side of the pool

There has been minimal movement of the pool shell

The liner is now 11 years old and in agreement with the GHD report, the liner is showing signs of distress in

the joints. The life expectancy of the pool liner based on the current deterioration of the joints is estimated

to be 4 to 5 years. This timing is subject to there being no further issues with up lift of the pool causing

additional structural damage.

A pool condition assessment report was also conducted by WJ Pratt in 2019. The report highlighted the pool

liner is reaching the end of its current tenure and there are opportunities to improve the filtration system to

support the long-term facility management. The following maintenance and compliance works have been

recommended.

Item Estimated cost

Replace existing GPO’s $1,000

Replace filters and media $30,000

Total maintenance $31,000

Technical Assessment Summary

The current buildings, plant and pool equipment has received ongoing maintenance and capital improvements

since the 2012 Swimming Pools Development Plan resulting in only a small number of maintenance and

compliance issues identified.

The condition of the pool liner has been highlighted as a priority in the three pool inspections conducted in 2018

and 2019. There have been various estimates of the pool liner lifespan from GHD, WJ Pratt and Engineer Don

Pope ranging from 4-15 years. In consideration of the above recent assessments, it is recommended that the

current life expectancy of the liner is approximately 5 years which would result in a final season for use in

2023/2024. With the structural issues and floatation concerns with the existing shell there is a major risk in the

option of replacing the pool liner. It is critical for Indigo Shire Council to explore the options and engage with the

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community on the future aquatics needs for Beechworth prior to any significant works being undertaken to

replace the existing pool liner.

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5. Chiltern Swimming Pool Chiltern is a township located between Wodonga and Wangaratta and at the 2016 Census had a population of

1602 residents. The median age of Chiltern is 47 which is higher than the Victorian median age of 37.6 Children

and young people aged 0 -19 make up 23.78% of which 213 or 13.3% are aged 10-19 and 48.37% of residents in

Chiltern are aged 40-70 which is 515 residents.7

Chiltern Swimming Pool was built in 1970. It is

located on Alliance Street, Chiltern near Lake

Anderson and Lake Anderson Caravan Park. The

key facilities include:

Outdoor unheated 25m pool

Outdoor unheated 9.3 x 6.4m toddler's pool

Outdoor unheated 6.0 x 6.0m babies pool

Amenities building with kiosk, changerooms

and reception counter

Shade sails


Attendance at Chiltern Swimming Pool over the past five years has varied, as shown in table 3, with the lowest

season attendance in 2018/19 (4319 visits) and the 2017/18 season achieving the highest attendance of 6328

visits. This reduced attendance can be attributed to improved data accuracy collation in 2018/19 suggesting a

more reliable reading of pool attendance.

The average attendance has slightly declined from the 2012 Swimming Pools Development Plan data which

outlined an average attendance of 5691 compared with an average of 5403 visits over the past five years.

Table 3 - Chiltern Swimming Pool Attendance


5691 5636 5,6365,098

6,328

4,319

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

2007 - 2011 average attendance2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

Vis

its

Attendance

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Chiltern Swimming Pool had a total of 24 bookings in 2018/19 season. These bookings were from three schools,

VicSwim program and the delivery of a combined schools carnival. Three free entry days were provided by

Council aligned with a Christmas Eve event and heatwave temperatures in January.

Water aerobics is scheduled to begin at Chiltern Swimming Pool in the 2019/20 season with funding provided

through Get Active Indigo Grants Program.

Financial assessment



2015/16 $21,412 $77,688 -$57,187

2016/17 $18,120 $67,718 -$49,598

2017/18 $19,211 $58,426 -$39,215

In 2011/12 Chiltern Swimming Pool operated at a deficit of $47,021 with $14,402 revenue received and $61,423

expenses. Whilst attendance figures suggest there has been an overall decrease, revenue through attendance

and kiosk purchases has increased over the past three years compared with 2011/12 revenue results.

Improvements to infrastructure and maintenance practices in 2017/18 has seen a dramatic reduction in operating

expenses which has seen the strongest net result for council achieved in 2017/18.

Operational Summary

Chiltern Swimming Pool attracted the lowest visitations in 2018/19 across all Indigo Shire pools. The Chiltern

Swimming Pool expenditure and net cost to Council is the lowest across the municipality. Detailed collection and

collation of attendance data should be undertaken to support future review of length of season, hours of

operation and staffing provisions to maintain the appropriate level of service and continue to mange the cost of

delivering the Chiltern Swimming Pool.

In addition, expanding programming and use of the space should be further explored and additional partnerships

sought to increase use and attendance to the facility. The introduction of water aerobics and solar heating in

2019/20 season will provide new opportunities for the community at this facility.


20 | P a g e

As part of the 2012 Swimming Pools Development Plan a technical condition and compliance assessment of all

buildings, pools and place was undertaken at Chiltern Swimming Pool. The following summary of assessment was

provided:

Improvements are required to the plant room and provision of safe, chemical storage;

Upgrades to the plant room are recommended in the short term;


storage of chemicals. Alternatively, the weatherboard plant room can be replaced with a larger steel

clad, steel framed plant room with segregated chemical storage.

There is no evidence of loss of structural integrity to the pool shells. There are concerns with the

variations in the ground water table that may be experienced due to the proximity of the adjoining lake

and previous flooding, hence the need to ensure that the ground water is monitored and removed prior

to emptying of the pools.

Pool pediments, pool surfacing water line tiles and concourse are all in good to average condition.

Concrete concourse, although narrow along the sides of the main pool are in good condition

The east lawn shade structure is recommended to be replaced.

The following improvements have been delivered over the past three years:

2016/17

Fix fencing and new storage

New Pool hand rails

Paint pool concourse

Repair broken tiles

New photometer

New backflow device

2017/18

Fencing around new shed

New Signage

New dosing system

2018/19

New Pool pump

New commercial pool vacuum

Purchase & install of air-conditioning

Grip painting of main pool tiles

In addition, funding has been allocated for the installation of solar heating prior to the 2019/20 season opening.


The April 2019 visual inspection by Don Pope identified the pool shells are in good condition and performing

well. In addition, the following maintenance items were raised:

A small crack in the toddler’s pool pediment which should be monitored

There is a cracked tile in the main pool which requires replacement ( to be actioned 19/20)

The path on the west side of the main pool has separated from the pool and as it is almost

flat there is a risk the storm water may enter between the pool shell and the path. A seal

should be placed in the gap to prevent water entry (this items has since been actioned).

21 | P a g e

A pool condition assessment report was also conducted by WJ Pratt. The report identified the current chemical

storage area was non-compliant and identifies some elements of the pool plant room which will require

replacement. The following maintenance and compliance works are recommended for Chiltern Swimming Pool.

Item Estimated cost

Enhancement of chemical storage

area

$40,000


Replace filtration sand with glass $10,000

Replace metal butterfly valves and

face plumbing

$9,500

Replace pump and lint pot $10,000

Repaint pool $33,000



The current buildings, plant and pool equipment has been provided with maintenance and improvements since

the 2012 Swimming Pools Development Plan resulting in a conclusion that the pool structure is in good condition

with future improvements required for elements of the plant room to improve the efficiency and compliance of

the facility.

22 | P a g e

6. Rutherglen War Memorial Swimming Pool Rutherglen is the second largest township of Indigo Shire and at the 2016 Census had a population of 2385

residents. The median age of Rutherglen is 47 which is higher than the Victorian median age of 37.8 Children and

young people aged 0 -19 make up 23.06% of which 280 or 11.74% are aged 10-19. 23.06% or 550 residents in

Rutherglen are aged 30-49 years old and 30.61% or 730 residents are aged 50 – 70 years old.9

Rutherglen War Memorial Swimming Pool was completed in 1955 with solar heating installed at the facility in

2012. The facility is located in High Street, Rutherglen and is close to Rutherglen Memorial Park, Rutherglen

Caravan Park and Rutherglen Primary School. The key facilities include:

Outdoor solar heated 33m pool

Outdoor solar heated 9.3m toddler's pool

Amenities building with kiosk, changerooms and reception counter

Shade sails


Attendance at Rutherglen War Memorial Swimming Pool over the past five years has varied, as shown in table 4,

with the lowest season attendance in 2017/18 (5411 visits) and the 2018/19 season achieving the highest

attendance of 11,727 visits. The low attendance figure in 2017/18 is a result of inaccurate recording of swimming

club attendance data which in 2018/19 was an additional 859 visits.

In addition, Corowa Swimming pool was closed for redevelopment in 2018/19 which resulted in additional pool

swimming programs and carnivals at Rutherglen War Memorial Swimming Pool for Corowa and Wahgunyah

schools. Corowa Swimming Pool is expected to be closed for the 2019/20 season and reopen in 2020/21. The

redeveloped Corowa Swimming Pool includes a 50 metre pool, learn to swim pool and splash park.


23 | P a g e

Table 4 – Rutherglen War Memorial Swimming Pool Attendance

Rutherglen War Memorial Swimming Pool had a total of 116 bookings in 2018/19 season. These bookings were

from five schools, Rutherglen Swimming Club, VicSwim program and a Rotary club triathlon event. Three free

entry days were provided by Council aligned with a Christmas Eve event and heatwave temperatures in January.

Water aerobics was conducted in 2017/18 season however did not continue in 2018/19 due to lack of numbers.

Financial outcomes



2015/16 $30,243 $92,033 -$61,790

2016/17 $29,939 $87,170 -$57,231

2017/18 $35,409 $79,110 -$43,701

In 2011/12 Rutherglen War Memorial Swimming Pool operated at a deficit of $42,491 with $25,355 revenue

received and $67,826 expenses. Revenue has remained steady and increased in 2017/18 which is contradictory to

the reduction in attendance data for 2017/18. This variation between attendance and revenue can be attributed

to a range of factors including:

Inaccurate and incomplete attendance data collation

Increase in fees and charges

Increased kiosk sales particularly at carnivals or school events

Expenses spiked to a high of $92,033 in 2015/16 however changes to the labour model and recent improvements

to infrastructure and maintenance practices has seen a reduction in operating expenses in 2016/17 and 2017/18.

Operational Assessment Summary

Rutherglen was the second most popular attended pool across Indigo Shire. The pool boasts a large number of

bookings representing a large proportion of visits to the facility. With the closure of Corowa Swimming Pool for

another season the high bookings are set to continue for the 2019/20 season.

9048

7010 7,270

9,915

5,411

11,727

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

2007 - 2011average

attendance

2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

Vis

its

Attendance

24 | P a g e

Once open, Corowa Swimming Pool will impact on usage and bookings at Rutherglen Swimming Pool due to the

offering of new and varied infrastructure that will be on offer at Corowa. At this time Indigo Shire should explore

the marketing and introduction of additional programming to seek to maintain current attendance levels of the

facility. In addition, usage should be closely monitored, and adjustments made to operating hours and staffing

levels to adjust to the expected reduction in usage. The new facility at Corowa represents an opportunity for

Indigo residents to access different aquatic offerings and it is recommended that a partnership approach with

Corowa should be investigated.



buildings, pools and plant was undertaken at Rutherglen War Memorial Swimming Pool. The Rutherglen War

Memorial Swimming Pool 2012 technical assessment identified:

Improvements are required to the plant room and provision of safe chemical storage and delivery;

Immediate improvements to drainage to the perimeter of the plant room are required;

Raising/securing of pump leads and some dosing lines is required;


storage of chemicals; and

Connection of backwash to sewer is required.

There is no evidence of loss of structural integrity to the pool shells. Council was advised that currently there

is no indication of leakage from the pools, pipes or the balance tank although there appears to be a minor

loss of 25 to 50mm from the pools per week

It is recommended that the discharge valve which used to be used for emptying the pool is checked for seal.

Pool pediments, pool surfacing water line tiles and concourse are all in good to average condition.

The following improvements have been delivered over the four three financial years:

2016/17

Varnish wood in change rooms

New pool Handrails

Chemical bunding storage

New photometer

New backflow device

2017/18

Fit out of old gardeners shed

New Signage

2018/19

Flood prevention works at back of Plant room

2019/20

Replaced chlorine dosing system

Replaced acid dosing system

Replace water chemistry probes

25 | P a g e




The Toddlers pool has some minor cracking and the clay pavers have settled along the west

side of the pool causing a trip hazard. The cracks should be monitored, and the concourse

should be relayed to remove the trip hazard (to be investigated 19/20)

The main pool is in sound condition generally however there is evidence that the

reinforcement in the pediment of the pool is corroding with rust stains on the surface. This

will cause the concrete to break away. Remove the affected areas of concrete exposing the

steel and restore the cover using an epoxy mortar.

The main pool has some cracked tiles which should be replaced (to be actioned 19/20).

A pool condition assessment report was also conducted by WJ Pratt. The report identified no urgent works

however did identify some areas of non-compliance works, which was recommended to be addressed prior to the

next season, and some concerns regarding potential leaking of the pool recommending further testing.

Leak and pressure testing was delivered by Flowtec Leak Detection Services at Rutherglen Swimming Pool in June

2019. The inspection provided the following findings:

There are over 13 separate areas in the pool expansion joints which were found to be leaking

A number of hairline cracks are developing in the shell with most found to be leaking a small amount

A large crack is existing in the deep end that is leaking constantly

The following maintenance and compliance works have been recommended based on the three various

assessments undertaken.

Item Estimated cost

Chemical signage $450

Replace chlorine dosing system $3,500

Replace acid dosing system $4,500

Replace water chemistry probes $850

Install permanent power to the

controller

$1,000

Replace Grounds Irrigation system $10,000

Replace valves and face plumbing $9,500

Replace filters $30,000

Vary pump plumbing $3,500

Replace GPO’s $700

Enhance delivery area to be

compliant

$15,000

Repaint pool, and joint repair

works

$75,000

26 | P a g e

Replace Grounds Irrigation system $10,000

Replace fence between pump

room and swim club

$4000

Repaint changes rooms interior $5000



The technical assessment has identified that the pool is performing well however there are some improvement

works required to enhance and protect the pool asset into the future.

In particular, it has been identified that the pool requires repainting and joint repair work which is critical to

protect the pool structure from future damage or disrepair.

27 | P a g e

7. Tangambalanga Swimming Pool Tangambalanga is a small township located in the east of the Indigo Shire municipality and at the 2016 Census

had a population of 545 residents. The median age of Tangambalanga is 40 which is slightly than the Victorian

median age of 37 but is the lowest median age across Indigo Shire.10 Children and young people aged 0 -19

make up 32.48% of which 92 or 16.88% are aged 10-19. 25.69% or 140 residents in Tangambalanga are aged 30-

49 years old and 27.71% or 151 residents are aged 50 – 70 years old.11

Tangambalanga Swimming Pool was built in 1970 and consists of a 25m main pool, learner’s pool and wader’s

pool. The facility is fully fenced and located on Kiewa East Road which is the main road of Tangambalanga and

adjacent to Coulston Park Recreation Reserve. The key facilities include:

Outdoor unheated 25m pool

Outdoor unheated 12m toddler's pool

Outdoor unheated 7.5m baby’s pool


Shade sails


Attendance at Tangambalanga Swimming Pool over the past five years has been consistently attracting between

4000 and 5,600 visits as shown in table 5. The lowest season attendance was in 2016/17 (4117 visits) and 2018/19

season achieved the highest attendance of 5,590 visits. The average attendance has slightly increased from the

2012 Pools Development Plan data which outlined an average attendance of 4693 compared with an average of

4857 visits over the past five years.


28 | P a g e

Table 5 - Tangambalanga Swimming Pool Attendance

Tangambalanga Swimming Pool had a total of 29 bookings in 2018/19 season. These bookings were from five

schools and the VicSwim program. The VicSwim program at Tangambalanga attracts the second highest

participation numbers of over 200. Three free entry days were provided by Council aligned with a Christmas event

and heatwave temperatures in January.

Financial outcomes



2015/16 $18,619 $89,344 -$70,725

2016/17 $13,701 $58,930 -$45,229

2017/18 $17,233 $62,231 -$44,998

In 2011/12 Tangambalanga Swimming Pool operated at a deficit of $44,181 with $16,266 revenue received and

$60,447 expenses. Whilst attendance figures have remained stable the low participation numbers in 2016/17

resulted in significant revenue loss highlighting the need to maintain strong attendance at the facility. Expenses

spiked to a high of $89,344 in 2015/16 however recent improvements to management structures and

infrastructure and maintenance practices has seen a dramatic reduction in operating expenses to $62,231 in

2017/18 which is in line with operating expenses from 2011/12.


Tangambalanga Swimming Pool attendance has been consistent over the past five years however the facility

attracts the lowest revenue across the five Indigo Shire pools. Tangambalanga has a growing population and the

highest proportion of young people across the municipality suggesting there is opportunity for increased

attendance and revenue for the facility.

The introduction of solar heating will be a great installation at the facility and Indigo Shire should seek to

capitalise on this investment through promotion and marketing activities to Tangambalanga and the wider region

as well as increasing the programming and event opportunities targeting the local young people.

4693 4546

5,435

4,1174,598

5,590

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

2007 -2011

averageattendance

2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

Vis

its

Attendance

29 | P a g e

Detailed collection and collation of attendance data should be undertaken to support future review of length of

season, hours of operation and staffing provisions to maintain the appropriate level of service and manage

operating expenses.



buildings, pools and plant was undertaken at Tangambalanga Swimming Pool. The Tangambalanga Swimming

Pool 2012 technical assessment identified:

The external storm water drainage to the entrance elevation of the change room building has been poorly

designed and compounded by a gutter-less roof discharging storm water along the south elevation path and

flooding of the cashier/kiosk and the south-east storeroom following heavy rain.

Better use of the existing chemical store along with a door to the north side of the plant room will provide

improved conditions for the operator, allow better access for segregated chemical storage and access to the

safety shower.

The outdoor pools and surrounds provide a safe and very attractive setting for patrons, however

consideration should be given to the provision of a barrier or fence between the minor and main pools.

Whilst there is no evidence of loss of structural integrity to the pool shells or subsidence of the concourse

the recent geotechnical investigation confirms the need for a dewatering system to the pools to allow

draining of the pool shells without hydrostatic uplifting.

Pool pediments, pool surfacing water line tiles and concourse are all in good to average condition. Concrete

concourse pavements are in good condition and appear to be sufficient for current pool patronage.


2016/17

New lighting in both changerooms

New chemical bunding storage for plant

Replace Chem hazard sticker/sign on plant room

Repair tiling/paving around skimmer boxes

New curbing and bollards in front of pool building

External storm water drainage upgrade

New pool handrails

New backflow device

2017/18

Plumbing upgrade to plant room infrastructure and balance tank

New dosing system

New Signage

2018/19


2019/20

Solar Pool water heating system installed

30 | P a g e




Leakage and settlement of the concourse pavement appears to have been solved.

The bars separating the Main and Learners Pools may have entrapment concerns

Skimmer box bars are corroded and should be replaced by a method that is considered safe under

entrapment rules.

The Baby‘s pool has minor cracking which requires monitoring. Consideration of a root barrier along the

eastern side should be made.

The main and learners pool are sound and stable and the pavements show no major settlement.


however the report did identify the current chemical storage area safety shower as non-compliant. The following

maintenance and compliance works have been recommended.

Item Estimated cost

Enhancement of chemical storage

and bunding area

$50,000

New safety shower and signage $2,000

Replace existing GPO’s $750

Replace filters and metal valves $32,000

Install pool barrier between pools $5,300

Install skimmer box facia panels $2,500




The current buildings, plant and pool equipment has been provided with suitable maintenance and

improvements since the 2012 Swimming Pools Development Plan resulting in the facility identified being in good

condition.

The 2019 assessments identified maintenance, safety and compliance issues which should be incorporated into

the annual maintenance works across the next four years. In particular, concerns regarding entrapment issues

between the main and learner’s pools should be investigated prior to the next season opening.

31 | P a g e

8. Yackandandah Swimming Pool Yackandandah is located to the east of the Indigo Shire municipality and at the 2016 Census had a population of

1812 residents. The median age of Yackandandah is 48 which is slightly than the Victorian median age of 37 but is

the lowest median age across Indigo Shire.12 Children and young people aged 0 -19 make up 24.18% or 438

residents of Yackandandah and 46.3% or 839 residents are aged 30-70 years old.13

Yackandandah Swimming Pool was built in 1965 and is located on William Street, Yackandandah. Key facilities

include:

Outdoor solar heated 25m pool

Outdoor solar heated 7.5m toddler's pool


Shade sails


Attendance at Yackandandah Swimming Pool over the past five years has varied, as shown in table 6, with the

lowest season attendance in 2016/17 (6489 visits) and the 2017/18 season achieving the highest attendance of

11,169 visits. The variation in attendance in 2017/18 can be attributed to the inaccuracy in season pass holder

attendance. The average attendance has increased from the 2012 Pools Development Plan data which outlined an

average attendance of 7614 compared with an average of 8479 visits over the past five years.


32 | P a g e

Table 6 - Yackandandah Swimming Pool Attendance

Yackandandah Swimming Pool had a total of 18 bookings in 2018/19 season. These bookings were from one

primary school and the VicSwim program. Three free entry days were provided by Council aligned with a

Christmas event and heatwave temperatures in January.

Financial outcomes



2015/16 $25,531 $82,718 -$57,187

2016/17 $20,903 $69,600 -$48,697

2017/18 $23,341 $64,206 -$40,865

In 2011/12 Yackandandah Swimming Pool operated at a deficit of $36,217 with $20,663 revenue received and

$56,880 expenses. With stable attendance figures, revenue for Yackandandah Swimming Pool has remained

between $20-25k per annum. Revenue has fluctuated and not consistent with the attendance data across the

three-year period. This variation between attendance and revenue can be attributed to a range of factors

including inaccurate and incomplete attendance data collation and the implementation of free entry swimming

days resulting in increased attendance however not increasing revenue.

Expenses spiked to a high of $82,718 in 2015/16 however recent improvements to management structures and

infrastructure and maintenance practices has seen a dramatic reduction in operating expenses to $64,206 in

2017/18. The net cost to Council in 2017/18 is slightly higher than the Council cost in 2011/12.


Yackandandah Swimming Pool has been consistent with its attendance over the past five years, apart from

2017/18 however the facility is attracting similar revenue as it did in 2011/12. Despite the lack of growth in

revenue the pool cost to Council is one of the lowest.

Yackandandah has a growing population and there is an opportunity to further expand and develop additional

programming from the facility with a particular focus on young people between 10 – 19 years and for adults aged

30 years or above.

76148715 8,310

6,489

11,169

7,712

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

2007 -2011

averageattendance

2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

Vis

its

Attendance

33 | P a g e



buildings, pools and plant was undertaken at Yackandandah Swimming Pool. The Yackandandah Swimming Pool

2012 technical assessment identified:

Improvements are required to the plant room and provision of safe, chemical storage and improved hypo

delivery


storage of chemicals

A hydraulic assessment of the pool water flow rates along with a return line pipe assessment is

recommended prior to any alterations being undertaken to overcome the current problem with the

circulation and sufficient water level retention within the balance tank.

There is no evidence of loss of structural integrity to the pool shells. Pool pediments, pool surfacing walk line

tiles and concourse are all in good to average condition. Concrete concourse, although narrow along the

sides of the main pool are in good condition.


2016/17

New backflow device

New Pool handrails

Repair hooks in change rooms

New chemical bunding storage for plant

2017/18

New Signage

Solar water heating

Pool Blanket

Emergency eyewash shower

New Shade Shelter

Solar Power Generator

Barrier installs for toilets

New dosing system

2018/19

New Lane ropes





The stainless-steel gutter covers on the south side and west end need repair to eliminate the entrapment and

sharp edge hazard (to be actioned 19/20).

Broken tiles need to be replaced (to be actioned 19/20).


however the report did identify the current chemical storage area safety shower as non-compliant.

34 | P a g e

In addition to the visual and compliance inspections, leak and pressure testing was delivered by Flowtec Leak

Detection Services in June 2019. The inspection provided the following findings:

Expansion joints in the deep end appear to be failing and appear to be affected by water pressure under the

pool

Two small cracks in the floor were identified as leaking

A large crack in the deep end corner was identified which starts at the expansion joint in the floor and travels

up the wall

The following maintenance and compliance works have been recommended based on the three various

assessments undertaken.

Item Estimated cost

Enhancement of fill point and

loading box

$50,000


Replace sand filters with glass $10,000

Repaint pool and joint repair work $60,000



The current buildings, plant and pool equipment has been provided with suitable maintenance and

improvements since the 2012 Swimming Pools Development Plan resulting in conclusion that the facility is in

good condition.

The 2019 assessments identified a small amount of maintenance, safety and compliance issues which should be

incorporated into the annual maintenance works across the next four years. In particular, concerns regarding

entrapment issues with the gutter covers should be addressed prior to the next season opening.

35 | P a g e

9. Key Findings and Recommendations Based on the strategic context and assessments undertaken of Indigo Shire’s five swimming pools the following

key findings and subsequent recommendations are presented for discussion:

Season Length and Hours of Operation

Indigo Shire Council implements a comparable outdoor pool season with other North East Regional Councils

which is predominately from mid-November to mid-March each year. It is noted that the extended season at

Rutherglen Swimming Pool, from mid-October to early April, is the longest outdoor pool season across Indigo,

Moira, Alpine and Towong Shire’s collectively.

The introduction of solar heating across three pools has resulted in increased season length and opening hours at

these facilities. It is anticipated that similar requests will be made at Chiltern and Tangambalanga facilities once

solar heating is introduced in 2019/20 season. The Active Indigo Recreation Plan also identifies that the

community wish to see the outdoor pool season and hours further extended to offer greater access.

Currently attendance data is collected daily with the trial morning swimming separately accounted for. Based on

the data available it is difficult to ascertain the trends where patronage is highest or lowest throughout the day.

The limitation of this data makes it difficult for Council to consider variations to hours of operation. Recording

time of entries or session data across each day would provide more detailed and accurate information on pools

usage and allow Council to utilise the information to conduct annual assessment of pool use and the level of

usage across the season and hours of operation.

The provision of swimming pools in 2018/19 was at a financial cost to Council of $252,259 (YTD April 2019), in

which labour and utilities are the main expenses. The update to the Guidelines to Safe Pool Operations may result

in Council having to operate with two lifeguards at all opening times. This will have significant impacts to the

operational expenses of Indigo Shire’s swimming pools. Implementing an annual review of Councils season

length and hours of operation will allow Council to monitor, consider and adjust the pool operations to manage

the impact of the updated Guidelines to Safe Pool Operations.

Based on the community feedback, which is seeking an increase to the current season length, the annual review

process should have a focus on redistributing hours to maximise community use and opportunities rather than

reducing the service to the community. As identified above, increasing data recording of entry will assist in the

annual review process.

Recommendations

That Council investigates options for entry time recording.

That Council conduct an annual review of season length and hours of operation with a focus on

redistributing hours to support community needs.

Programming

Programming and events at swimming pools are essential to the sustainable operation of facilities by ensuring

sufficient revenue is achieved.

The types of programs or events should be individually designed for each facility and be based on the local

community needs. Community partnerships and the use of the space for other community services has been

successful across outdoor pools. For example, conducting a Youth Services event at the outdoor pool.

36 | P a g e

A strong focus should be placed on expanding core swimming pool program areas including increased learn to

swim services, promotion and strengthening of the swimming clubs and attraction and expansion of school

bookings.

Indigo Shire has begun establishing programming initiatives, particularly through internal departments and now

has an opportunity to further expand and develop these across other sectors of the community. It is

recommended that Council focus on enhancing programming for up to two facilities per year and based on the

operational assessments at each site the following implementation approach is proposed:

Year 1 - Chiltern and Beechworth

Year 2 - Rutherglen and Tangambalanga

Year 3 - Yackandandah

Recommendation

That Council target increased partnerships and programs at up to two outdoor pools per year

That Council offers VICSWIM to Run Programs at the Rutherglen Pool

Beechworth Swimming Pool

The assessments conducted in 2018 and 2019 have identified the pool liner of the Beechworth Swimming Pool

has a life expectancy of 4 to 5 years. Tt is clear with the structural and floatation concerns at the site it is critical

that the future vision and direction of aquatics facilities in Beechworth is established to inform major budgeting

requirements.

Consultation from the Active Indigo Recreation Plan identified the community interest in an indoor aquatics

facility and/or hydrotherapy pool suggesting that just replacing the existing facility in its current form may not

meet the demand and requirements of the community.

The liner replacement value is currently estimated at $126,000. This expenditure is not recommended in light of

the current assessments including the structural integrity of the pool shell. Instead a detailed analysis of

community needs, best site / location and facility options is required with a final recommendation to be provided

to Council in 2020/21.

Planning and delivery of an aquatics major project is a high expense and can take several years to achieve.

Therefore, it is imperative that Indigo Shire Council begin initial feasibility and options analysis work into the

future aquatics provision in Beechworth.

The proposed scope of works for the facility planning includes:

1. Undertake a detailed feasibility study of aquatic facility options in 2020/21 including community

engagement, concept designs and financial modelling for the following:

a. replacement of pool structures at existing site

b. new outdoor facility at existing or alternative site.

c. new indoor pool facility at existing or alternative site

2. Undertake a detailed design project and develop tender specifications in 2021/22 in preparation for a

construction project.

Recommendation

That Council undertakes a feasibility and option analysis for the future provision aquatics facilities for

Beechworth

37 | P a g e

Water Play Infrastructure

The 2012 Swimming Pools Development Plan recommended that Indigo Shire provide additional aquatics leisure

features at Rutherglen Pool and, upon review of the success of Rutherglen, seek to implement leisure features at

other pools over time. Indigo Shire has not proceeded with the planning and implementation of this

recommendation with investment into facilities focused on addressing maintenance and compliance items.

Based on industry trends and market, water play and fun zones remain popular installations and can result in

increased attendance for outdoor pools. The installation of water play features in Indigo Shire should still be

sought however, given the major development occurring at Corowa Swimming Pool, it is recommended that

Council seek to renew and not enhance the Rutherglen Swimming Pool infrastructure. Based on the assessments

of each pool it is recommended the Council seek to develop water play features at one Indigo Swimming Pool

(location to be determined following additional community consultation) and also incorporate consideration of a

water play area in the future planning for the Beechworth Swimming Pool.

Recommendations

That Council seek to provide additional water play features at one Indigo Swimming Pool following

additional community consultation.

That Council includes a water play area for consideration in the future planning for Beechworth Swimming

Pool

Pool Accessibility Modifications

The current pool configurations limit access for residents with mobility concerns. This report recommends the

implementation of an accessible pools hoist at each pool commencing in the 20/21 season. It is recommended

that funding for this infrastructure is sought externally.

Recommendations

That Council investigate funding to install accessible pools hoist incrementally across all pools over the

next 5 years.

Pools Maintenance Works

To inform the 2019 Swimming Pools Development Plan the following inspections were undertaken:

Visual inspection of pool structures by Don Pope, Project Management Engineer at Indigo Shire Council

Condition and compliance inspection of each facility by WJ Pratt Pty Ltd

Leak testing at Rutherglen and Yackandandah Swimming Pools by Flowtec Leak Detection Services

The total estimated cost of all the recommended works combined is approximately $542,200 which excludes the

major capital redevelopment works for Beechworth Swimming Pool. The delivery of the recommended works will

ensure the pools are compliant with safety regulations for the protection of staff and patrons and there is

reduced risks of poor water quality or increased future capital or maintenance expenses due to poorly maintained

assets.

An implementation plan has been provided in section 10 outlining the prioritisation and timing of the

recommendations over the next four years.

38 | P a g e

Recommendation

That Council undertake recommended maintenance works in accordance with the implementation plan

39 | P a g e

10. Implementation plan The following table provides an estimate of costs associated with the strategic recommendations made in this

report.

Recommendations 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 Total

Time stamping entrance

investigation

No additional costs anticipated $0

Annual review of season length

and hours of operation

No additional costs anticipated $0

Target increased partnerships

and programs at two outdoor

pools per year

Work implemented by Pools Coordinator. Additional program and

events delivered in existing pools operating budget.

$0

Beechworth Swimming Pool

feasibility and option analysis –

including consideration of water

play elements

$50,000 $50,000 $100,000

Additional water play features at

one Indigo Swimming Pool

$15,000

(design and

consultation)

$200,000

(construct)

$215,000

Accessibility modifications (Pool

Hoists)

$15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $60, 000

Capital renewal works in

accordance with the

implementation plan

$52,500 $89,700 $229,500 126,500 $107,500 $586,700

Total over five years $980,700

Capital Renewal Implementation Plan

Items 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 Total

Beechworth Items


Replace filters and media $30,000

Defibrillator* $3,000

Shade easement* $3,000

Bike rack* $4,000

Beechworth Total $31,000

Chiltern Items

Enhancement of chemical storage area $40,000



Replace metal butterfly valves and face

plumbing

$9,500

40 | P a g e

Items 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 Total

Replace pump and lint pot $10,000



Chiltern Total $105,900

Rutherglen Items

Chemical signage $450

Replace chlorine dosing system $3,500

Replace acid dosing system $4,500

Replace water chemistry probes $850

Install permanent power to the controller $1,000


Replace valves and face plumbing $9,500

Replace filters $30,000

Vary pump plumbing $3,500

Replace GPO’s $700

Enhance delivery area to be compliant $15,000

Repaint pool and joint repair works $75,000


Bike Rack* $4,000

Underground watering system* $5,000

Replace Grounds Irrigation system $10,000 $10,000

Replace fence between pump room and

swim club

$4000 $4000

Repaint changes rooms interior $5000 $5000

Rutherglen Total $173,000

Tangambalanga Items

Enhancement of chemical storage and

bunding area

$50,000

New safety shower and signage $2,000


Replace filters and metal valves $32,000

Install pool barrier between pools $5,300

Install skimmer box facia panels $2,500



Bike rack* $3,000

41 | P a g e

Items 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 Total

Canteen guttering* $2,500

Tangambalanga Total $130,550

42 | P a g e

Yackandandah Items

Enhancement of fill point and loading box $50,000


Replace sand filters with glass $10,000

Repaint pool and joint repair works $60,000


Canteen guttering* $2,500

New fridge* $3,000

Bike rack* $2,500

Yackandandah Total $120,750

Annual Expenditure $52,500 $89,700 $210,500 $126,500 $107,500

Total Capital Improvements $586,700

*Items included in the approved 2019/20 pools capital budget prior to the development of the 2019 Indigo Pools

Development Plan Update.

Council Budget Implications

The Pools development plan has identified recommendations costed for a total of $980,700 for works over the

next six years. This includes $605,700 for capital renewal works, $100,000 for facility planning and design works

and $215,000 for delivery of a water play facility development. These costings do not include any future capital

works identified through the planning work for Beechworth Swimming Pool.

Indigo Shire Council has $80,000 allocated in 2019/20 for pools maintenance and capital renewal works of which

$20,000 is for reactive maintenance needs throughout the pool season and $60,000 for scheduled capital renewal

works. Based on the forecast capital renewal budget of $60,000 per annum there is a total of $300,000

earmarked for pool renewal works over the next five years which is $286,700 below the identified capital renewal

works of this plan.

No external funding has been allocated across the implementation plan however it is identified that Council may

be eligible to seek funding under the Victorian Government’s Community Infrastructure Fund. The following

items could be explored for external funding to support the delivery of the plan recommendations:

Beechworth feasibility and design works

Water play construction project

Redevelopment works (repainting, joint and filter replacement works as a package) for Chiltern,

Rutherglen, Tangambalanga and Yackandandah pools

Documents

February 2020 Adopted 25 Feb 2020 - Shire of Indigo...The 2019 Indigo Swimming Pools Development Plan is informed by local data, strategic directions and state policy. Indigo Shire