From Abc · · 1m 40s
Walgett town loses pool ahead of hot summer
Walgett faces scorching summer without pool after council rules it unsafe.
In brief
Walgett faces scorching summer without pool after council rules it unsafe. Walgett Memorial Pool closes this season due to safety concerns, leaving residents without cooling options as summer approaches. Originally reported by Abc.
Walgett pool closes this season
Walgett Memorial Swimming Pool will remain closed this swimming season after council deemed it unsafe and beyond repair.
Scorching summer looms
Walgett regularly has days hotter than 40 degrees celsius during summer, leaving residents without cooling options.
Residents feel neglected
Parents like Katrina Marshall say rivers stink and kids cannot enjoy swimming, calling the summer 'very boring'.
“It's going to be a very boring summer.”
Pool's long decline
The Walgett Memorial Pool opened in the early 60s and was decommissioned in 2023 before reopening in late 2024.
Council's safety decision
Walgett Shire Council Mayor Jasen Ramien said the pool reached a point where it was no longer safe to use.
“We didn't want to close it, but the reality was the pool had reached a point where it was no longer safe.”
No long-term fix
Council will fill artesian baths with cold water but says this is an interim solution while they seek a full-sized pool.
“They do not replace the old 50 metre pool. They are an interim answer while we keep fighting for the full-sized swimming facility Walgett deserves.”
State funding request
Council requested up to $420,000 from state government for a free daily bus to Collarenebri Swimming Pool.
National pool crisis
National Drowning Report 2026 found drowning rates double for disadvantaged areas and nearly triple for regional residents.
State government response
NSW Minister for Sport Steven Kamper said government supports sports facilities through grants and partnerships with local government.
“The NSW Government supports sports facilities by providing grant funding and working in partnership with local government, State Sporting Organisations, clubs and associations.”
Pool replacement cost
Replacing 500 pools nationally would cost $8 billion, with many needing repairs within the next decade.
“In 2022, the State of Aquatic Facility Infrastructure in Australia report found 500 pools nationally would need replacing, or require significant repairs to the pool shell within the next 10 years, at a cost of $8 billion.”
Community impact
Public policy researcher Ian McShane warned losing pools could make people reluctant to move to areas without social infrastructure.
“Families would be reluctant to move to areas that don't have good social infrastructure.”
The key point
Walgett Memorial Pool closes this season due to safety concerns, leaving residents without cooling options as summer approaches.
