Walgett pools tread water after inspection

Collarenebri school students at the Collarenebri Pool that needs replacement. Photo contributed

The report card is in on the condition of Walgett Shire’s pools, with none of the facilities receiving top marks.

During the current scorching summer, locals have flocked to Walgett Shire Council’s pools to beat the heat, and demand for quality public pools is increasing out west.

Shortly before last year’s swimming season, all of Walgett Shire’s pools underwent assessment, revealing several areas needing improvement.

Walgett’s pool infrastructure, with some over 50 years old, led the Far North-West Joint Organisation (Walgett, Bourke, and Cobar Shire Councils) to request condition assessments from NSW Public Works in Dubbo to evaluate the structural integrity, mechanical efficiency, and overall safety of the swimming pools.

Walgett is not alone in having swimming pool issues – a government report in March 2024 warned that the primary issue facing rural swimming pools is the widespread deterioration of aging infrastructure, including leaking pipes, chipped tiles, outdated pumps, and concrete shells nearing the end of their lifespan.

In July 2023, the Walgett Shire Council decommissioned the Walgett War Memorial Swimming Pool due to significant structural issues, including leaks and a failing sand filtration system. The estimated cost for temporary repairs exceeded $1.7 million. […]

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