All respondents to a recent survey conducted by the Wellington Times voted that increasing the Wellington pool's fees would stop people from using the facility.
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The survey was in response to the Dubbo Regional Council's draft 2019/20 budget, where they proposed an increase in pool fees for swimming clubs. The cost of season passes will also increase to align Dubbo, Wellington and Geurie pools.
For a family, a season pass will cost $514. In Wellington it's a proposed increase from $260. However, the $514 pass will provide access to all three aquatic centres.
Of the 25 responses 92 per cent said they did not believe increasing the season passes at Wellington pool was a good idea.
Eighty-four per cent said they had used the Wellington pool in the past and 68 per cent said they would not use it if the new fees are introduced.
The pool is undergoing construction and is expected to be finished by November.
More than $8.9 million has been spent upgrading the facility. Alison Crimmins said it would be worth every cent and she couldn't wait for the pool to open.
Kyle Nonny said the fee increase was cheap compared to other places in the Central West.
"Unfortunately everything is run as a business these days and needs to make a profit, the alternative is people don't use it and it closes down or worse still it's sold to private owners and gets more expensive," he said.
Samantha Dorin asked why there isn't a price for just one pool.
"A price rise is still needed of course, but for anyone that will solely be using Wellington maybe a separate fee that's slightly less," she said.
Lyn Giddings said at first sight, it was a bit of a shock.
"Yes, it does cover three pools, but a lot of people wouldn't and can't really access all three, so I don't consider that a selling point, just a bonus. I hope council considers a payment system over the off season, so we can access the pool straight away," she said.
"I hope everyone should be able to use one of the payment options to enjoy our new facility and yes it will be worth every cent."
Access can be given to all three pools because they will be managed internally by council.
The draft council budget - which includes the proposed changes for the pools - was on public exhibition for 28 days. During that time the public were encouraged to make comment.
Those comments will be considered by the Dubbo Regional councillors before changes are made to the budget and given final approval.
Taylor Jurd
Hi, my name is Taylor Jurd. I am a journalist with Australian Community Media, I write for the Western Magazine and Wellington Times.
Hi, my name is Taylor Jurd. I am a journalist with Australian Community Media, I write for the Western Magazine and Wellington Times.
