How our pools are managed and funded
Indigo Shire's five swimming pools are more than recreational infrastructure, they are gathering places deeply woven into the social fabric of our communities, delivering health and wellbeing benefits in areas where access to such facilities can otherwise be limited.
Who manages our pools?
Indigo Shire Council does not directly operate its pools.
Following an open market tender process, Council resolved at its June 2026 meeting, to award management of its five pools to Belgravia Leisure for a period of three years commencing 2026/27.
This contract means that the total number of operating hours for each season (3600) are agreed and fixed at the time of contract award.
How operating hours are set
Operating hours vary from site to site and are based on historical usage, programming i.e. swimming clubs and morning swimming as well as community consultation.
Because the contract with Belgravia is priced according to the agreed hours (3600), any change, including extending the season, requires significant additional funding from Council that sits outside our annual operating budget.
Why we can't extend the season
When warm weather stretches into March and April, we regularly hear from community members asking us to extend the season. We understand that completely, but extending the season at even one pool costs thousands of dollars per week that comes out of other Council service areas.
Council trialled a December start and April/Easter finish in 2025/26 and community feedback was mixed regarding its effectiveness. Furthermore, based on attendance data, March, including the Easter long weekend, was the poorest performing month which is why it hasn’t been offered again in 2026/27.
The financial reality of pool operations
Swimming pools are not cost neutral services. The costs to operate the service and replace and maintain equipment is significant for a small rural Council and whilst visitation improved year on year in 2025/26 attendance numbers have been well down since 2019/20 which means Council subsidises every visit to every pool at approximately $40 per visit.
Looking ahead
Through a State Government grant, Council has recently appointed LARCAN to develop a feasibility report and Aquatic Strategy that will explore amongst other things the sustainability of aquatic services in Indigo Shire Council. Please keep an eye out on our website and socials for details regarding the community consultation session which will underpin development of the strategy.