Swimming Pool Future

South Gippsland residents have access to six Council managed swimming pools—five outdoor pools and one indoor pool. But most of our pools are ageing and require significant investment to remain safe and fit for purpose.

The financial challenge is substantial. Over the next 15 years, the combined cost of operating, maintaining and renewing the pools is estimated at approximately $78 million. Council’s Long-Term Financial Plan currently includes $33 million for operations and maintenance and $4 million for capital improvements but does not include the estimated $41 million required for full renewal. These renewal costs are significant, particularly as several pools are approaching the end of their useful life.

To put this into context, $41 million is more than double Council’s annual capital works budget and more than two-and-a-half times its available reserves—much of which is already committed to emergencies and existing projects. With no spare money in Council’s current Budget, these renewal costs cannot simply be absorbed.

At the same time, operating costs are rising and some pools are used far less than they once were. Maintaining every pool in its current form may not be financially sustainable.

No decisions have been made, but Council is considering options that may include reducing the number of aquatic facilities, including the potential closure of one or more pools. We want to put all the cards on the table and have an honest conversation with our community: what should the future of South Gippsland’s aquatic facilities look like?

Feedback closes Sunday 6 December 2026.