The notice of motion aimed to discuss the swimming pool entry fees and user charges that were in place at the four swimming pools in the Dorset Council region. 

At all of these pools, all users were charged for entry either on a daily basis or through a yearly membership fee.

Councillor Howard said that the pool fees should be waived in order to enable anyone to be able to access the region’s swimming pools and their many benefits.

“I put forward the notice of motion, and it got support from a large majority,” Cr Howard said.

The two public swimming pools in the region at the towns of Scottsdale and Branxholm will have all user fees and charges waived.

The Dorset Council will also contribute the full cost to the management committees of the swimming pools at Winnaleah and Ringarooma, and will not charge users of the pool.

The cost of these changes is estimated at $40,000 per annum, which will not impact on the financial sustainability of the council.

Cr Howard said waiving the user fees and charges will have a positive impact on the community.

“Swimming is a low-impact exercise and suitable for everyone of all ages and abilities,” he said

“Having no entry fee to the pool will hopefully encourage a more active community.”

Cr Howard said that having no entry fee will also have a large impact on parents.

“If you have a family with three or four kids and have to pay an entry fee for everyone, the cost of going to the swimming pool can really add up,” Cr Howard said.

“This is all about making going to the swimming pool affordable and accessible to everyone,” he said.

The Scottsdale Swimming Pool is currently open, and will be running until March 2018. Branxholm Swimming Pool will open December 2 and will stay running until February 2018.

The Ringarooma and Winnaleah swimming pools are also open.