mmg.com.au

As the hot weather continues, Kyabram citizens are asking why the local swimming pool had to close for the season at the long weekend.

Concerned pool user Peter Tindale has pointed out that apart from an increase in general patronage in the afternoons and evenings, the pool is consistently used by a band of early morning lap swimmers and the Kyabram Swimming Club, which now boasts around 70 swimmers (supporters of club members double the numbers on social occasions).

At the moment, the club has 22 swimmers representing the town at the All Junior Finals in Melbourne at the end of March.

Mr Tindale said these young people have the choice of not training until the competition or are forced to travel to Echuca and pay extra to use the heated facility and associated travel costs.

Kyabram Swimming Club president Kylie Gale agreed with Mr Tindale, and said to have the Kyabram pool opened just for training purposes, the club would have to find nearly $3000 for the privilege.

‘‘The 22 young competitors are aged between nine and 14 years, and families will now have to pay for lane fees at Echuca when they have already paid club fees in Kyabram. Also, if it’s still hot, some young people go to the channel for a dip which is not legal.’’

This year pool management has been taken over by the shire.

‘‘In previous years we have been told that the pool has to close on the long weekend in March because of contract restrictions with the previous managers,’’ Mr Tindale said.

‘‘These restrictions no longer apply, but the pool is still being shut for the season on the long weekend.’’

The Free Press contacted Campaspe Shire Council and was told by service executive manager Paul McKenzie the council operated seven outdoor pools in Kyabram, Colbinabbin, Rushworth, Stanhope, Rochester, Lockington and Tongala.

Outdoor pools are open from November to March each year, with all closed on Monday, March 11 this year.

‘‘Prior to the opening of the next season, staff are employed, chemicals and other equipment are purchased for the following operating season,’’ he said.

‘‘Whilst we have had unusually warmer days, the nights tend to be cool in March and the water temperature tends to drop dramatically. As a result, attendance at the pools also drops. Last year it was very cold at the start of March, however, the pools remained opened for the operating season.’’

Mr McKenzie said council provided support to residents selected to compete at state, national or international events (sporting or otherwise) through its donation policy and would welcome an application for consideration.

Meanwhile, the pool remains closed, angering many swimmers, including Mr Tindale, who called for the extension of the operating season.

‘‘Come on Shire, the forecast is for 35 degrees this week, the pool still wants to be used, you do not have contractual obligations anymore, so please get your act into gear and provide the service for the community of Kyabram that only you can provide,’’ he said.

Merrigum and Tatura pools, which are run by Greater Shepparton City Council, will close for the season on Sunday, March 17.