MidCoast Council to trial extended outdoor pool season

MidCoast Council has voted to trial an extended outdoor pool season for the 2026-27 period, keeping facilities open until April 24 to accommodate the April school holidays. This decision follows community feedback requesting continued access to pools during the warmer autumn period, even after the end of daylight saving.

The trial is expected to cost $57,203. During the extended period, supervised pools in Taree, Gloucester, and Tea Gardens will operate with reduced hours from 11am to 3pm. Unsupervised pools in Nabiac, Krambach, Stroud, and Bulahdelah will maintain their standard summer operating hours. Council officials stated that visitation rates and costs will be monitored to determine the feasibility of making the extension permanent in future years.