It might be a stretch to say Narrabri Shire Council has ‘backflipped’ on changes to the operating hours of the Wee Waa Memorial Pool but there has definitely been some movement, and it’s a welcome relief for early morning swimmers like Marjory Drummond.
“I had a good swim, the water was nice,” said Mrs Drummond after her laps on Monday morning.
“It’s a good way to distress.”
The Wee Waa Memorial Pool officially opened for the season on Saturday October 26 and in a late change, it’s now also open between 6 and 8am on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.
On September 13, the Wee Waa community was upset to learn that the pool would be opening about a month later than usual and would not be open for early morning swimmers until mid December.
As reported by the Wee Waa News, different sections of the community raised concerns about the negative mental, physical and social health impacts of the changes especially during the drought.
Wee Waa doesn’t give up without a fight.
And to its credit, Narrabri Shire Council has listened and held a series of consultation meetings with different groups in town.
“Council have been working with the community since the hours of operation for the 2019/2020 season were released,” said Council’s community facilities manager Evan Harris.
“Unfortunately, the hours of operation did not suit some patrons and Council have been in discussions with patrons to work out a way to meet these needs going forward.
“Initially Council were unable to offer earlier opening hours until mid December when most of the casual lifeguards who are school or university students were available.
“Council have been working behind the scenes to recruit for pool attendants prior to the announcement of this seasons hours.
“It has only been since the most recent round of recruitment that Council have been in a position to be able to facilitate opening for two hours in the morning three days a week.
“Council are happy to speak to the community in situations where they see a gap in service delivery and we will continue to work with the community to ensure the hours of operation reflect their needs.”
Narrabri Shire Council said it is pleased to advise the revised hours of operation for the Wee Waa pool:
October 26, 2019 to December 15, 2019
- Monday Wednesday and Friday: 6am to 8am and 12pm to 6pm •Tuesday Thursday Saturday and Sunday: 12pm to 6pm
(Included in this time would be the addition of Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 6pm. This opening time will be available from Tuesday 16 November 2019 to Thursday 12 December 2019. This timeslot is a trial to gauge patron levels)
December 16, 2019 to March 1, 2020
- Monday to Friday: 6am to 8am and 1pm to 7pm •Saturday and Sunday: 1pm to 7pm
March 2, 2020 to April 17, 2020
- Monday Wednesday and Friday: 6am to 8am and 12pm to 6pm •Tuesday, Thursday Saturday and Sunday: 12pm to 6pm.
Wee Waa Swimming Club will start this Thursday at 5pm.
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