Shellharbour City Council reviews aquatic facility sustainability

Shellharbour City Council has released a draft Aquatic Facilities Review for public exhibition to address rising costs and infrastructure needs. The council’s four public pools at Albion Park, Oak Flats, Warilla, and Shellharbour Village currently require more than $1.54 million in annual subsidies.

Maintenance and infrastructure renewal for these facilities are projected to cost up to $18 million over the next 10 to 15 years. Councillor Kellie Marsh noted that the average subsidy per visit varies significantly by location, ranging from $5.39 at Oak Flats to $22.45 at Warilla Pool. The review aims to determine how to balance community accessibility with long-term financial sustainability as the local population grows.