But whether that means they will close remains to be seen despite the aquatic service review initially recommending facilities in Lockington, Tongala, Stanhope and Colbinabbin shut their gates.
The review started in 2013 but in 2016 council decided its preferred direction was to deliver aquatic services through Echuca, Kyabram, Rochester and Rushworth, while the other four were subject to community plans to prioritise their needs, which towns had three years to develop.
But those plans are yet to be formed and following a council meeting on Tuesday the deadline has been extended until the end of 2021.
That news left Kylie Floyd, speaking on behalf of the Lockington pool, ‘‘cautiously optimistic’’. She passionately believes the pools deliver an important service and should remain open.
Since 2013/14 Kylie said Lockington had nearly doubled its attendance numbers with more than 4200 visits this season alone.
‘‘I support the recommendation being made, particularly where the timeframe has been extended to give more time to determine the direction plans will take,’’ Kylie said at the meeting.
Council said the development of the strategy would ensure future services meet community needs and are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable, to maximise access and usage.
But Cr Leigh Wilson stressed there would be ‘‘great sacrifice’’ going forward.
‘‘We must reflect on what got us here ... council can find a way forward that is amicable but we can only do it with the support of the community,’’ he said at the meeting.
‘‘The challenge council has faced is one of dollars and cents.
‘‘Communication and working together is the only way forward ... we have to make tough decisions if we are going to move forward ... it is going to come at the cost of other infrastructure and that’s a fact.’’
Deputy mayor Vicki Neele said ‘‘change was inevitable’’.
‘‘And compromise is required,’’ she said.
‘‘But it’s about finding compromise that will best suit the community.’’
Council will only provide ‘‘essential operational requirements and maintenance’’ works at Colbinabbin, Lockington, Stanhope and Tongala until their future is determined.
Pools in Rochester and Kyabram had been given priority because council said both pools were ageing, leaking and at the end of their useful life.
‘‘Rochester pool will leak 375,000L of its content because of holes in it and those holes can’t be fixed,’’ Cr Wilson said.
Council’s proposed 2019-20 budget, open for submissions, includes $80,000 in funding to start development of the strategy.
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