Councillors will vote next week on implementing a $2 entry fee trial at Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend swimming centres for the 2025/26 swimming season while retaining a $6 all-day entry fee for Lambton Pool.
The trial of a gold coin entry fee was proposed by Labor Councillors in February this year and would reduce the cost of a single admission at four of the five City of Newcastle-owned inland pools to enhance affordable access for the community.
The proposal was strongly endorsed during community consultation, with 95% of respondents supporting the trial and 92% indicating they would visit pools more frequently if entry fees were reduced.
Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle recognises the importance of its inland pool network to the community.
"Our swimming centres play a vital role in fostering community connection, providing accessible opportunities for physical activity, social engagement and water safety education," Ms Duffy said.
"The trial will provide valuable data to allow Council to fully consider the risks and benefits of making this a feature of our inland pools for future seasons.
"Our pools are among our most popular community facilities, attracting more than 430,000 visitors during the 2024/25 swimming season, which is the second highest attendance level across our five pools in more than 30 years.
"Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre accounted for almost 60% of those visitors across the season and so will not be included in the $2 entry trial, to ensure we continue to support the safe and effective management of that facility and reduce the risk of overcrowding. Lambton will remain the most affordable pool with similar facilities in the region.
"However, proposed $2 entry fees at our four other inland pools including Mayfield and Wallsend, which are just 6km away from Lambton, would ensure easy access to reduced entry fees for all residents, with swimmers also enjoying continued free entry to the much-loved Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths."
Implementation of the trial would require amendment to the management agreement between City of Newcastle and pool operator BlueFit.
The trial is expected to cost City of Newcastle $900,000 in 2025/26, which includes subsidising the reduced entry fees and accommodating higher operational expenses such as increased staffing and lifeguard services, and greater facility maintenance requirements.
City of Newcastle would also invest around $200,000 into enhanced security measures at all pools including CCTV and AI-driven safety technologies.
These costs have been added into the draft 2025/26 Budget, which is also set to be considered for adoption at next week's Council meeting.
"We are committed to investing in and improving our pools to ensure they continue to meet the expectations and evolving needs of our community," Ms Duffy said.
"Adequate lifeguard coverage, security measures, and crowd management strategies are essential in maintaining the safe and efficient operations of our pools while ensuring compliance with industry standards, balanced with affordability.
"Safety remains the highest priority for our pool operations. Should this trial be implemented, City of Newcastle will work with BlueFit to plan for potential surges in attendance."
