Council & Politics
3 November, 2025
Public have say on ‘stupid’ swimming pool payments
Upon the story going on social media, residents voiced their concerns towards the change in protocol.
RESIDENTS had their say on Northern Grampians Shire Council’s decision to charge St Arnaud schools to use the pool.
Last month, the NCN Herald ran a story on the front page, outlining council’s process and the school council’s responses.
Upon the story going on social media, residents voiced their concerns towards the change in protocol.
“Well this won’t be encouraging the schools to use the pool during school hours,” Theresa May Pavletich wrote.
“It’s going to make it impossible to be able to run the swimming program. There’s no way to cover those costs. Very disappointing,” Jen Wilson replied.
From January 1, 2026, schools in St Arnaud will be required to pay $130 every hour of use at the public pool for swimming lessons or carnivals, as they would be using it “outside of pool opening hours”.
Council mayor Karen Hyslop said the St Arnaud pool had operated without fees due to staffing limitations and Life Saving Victoria guidelines that previously made fee collection impractical.
The fees would cover the cost of two qualified lifeguards. Along with the school council presidents, residents shared concerns about safety.
“What price do you put on learning to swim? Grampians council should be ashamed,” Margaret Leggerini wrote online.
In response to the letter sent by the school council presidents, Ripon MP Martha Haylett agreed with the importance of swim safety.
“Growing up in country Victoria, I know how important learning how to swim is for our local kids,” she said.
“It is important to make sure every kid has the opportunity to learn this important lifeskill.
“I am keeping a close eye on this issue and strongly encourage the Northern Grampians Shire to have more productive conversations with our three local schools about a way forward.
“Any outcome needs to be fair and equitable for our community.”
Principals from all three St Arnaud schools are due to meet with council on Friday.
Read More: St Arnaud