The shire’s outdoor pool fees were waived for the 2024-25 summer, as in the previous two years, and residents across the shire made the most of a free dip.
During the three-month summer season, the six outdoor pools across Campaspe Shire recorded 21,843 visits.
In order, the most visited pool was Kyabram’s with 7578, followed by Lockington with 4041, Tongala with 3685, Colbinabbin with 2836, Stanhope with 1903 and Rushworth with 1800.
While pool attendance has decreased recently, it’s important to note that the 2022-23 season saw exceptionally high numbers due to the inaugural waiving of pool fees, making it an outlier in the data.
While attendance figures are not a competition, it does let council know where demand is for pool services once summer rolls around once again.
Campaspe Shire pool statistics from 2021-2025
Colbinabbin: 21-22: 1237; 22-23: 3034; 23-24: 2788; 24-25: 2836
Kyabram: 21-22: 4938; 22-23: 11419; 23-24: 8285; 24-25: 7578
Lockington: 21-22: 2201; 22-23: 5289; 23-24: 4154; 24-25: 4041
Rushworth: 21-22: 813; 22-23: 2654; 23-24: 1905; 24-25: 1800
Stanhope: 21-22: 1204; 22-23: 2847; 23-24: 2443; 24-25: 1903
Tongala: 21-22: 2274; 22-23: 4734; 23-24: 4069; 24-25: 3685
Total: 21-22: 12667; 22-23: 29877; 23-24: 23644; 24-25: 21843
Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell said the figures helped council assess demand when it came to putting together the next year’s aquatic strategy.
“It’s fantastic to see so many residents making the most of our facilities over the summer,” Cr Mackrell said.
“We are thrilled by the community’s active participation.
“These stats provide valuable insights into how our community use these spaces, helping us plan for future aquatic facilities.”
The aquatic strategy, in years past, has seen strong opposition, with the strongest being in 2022 when communities rallied to oppose the proposed closure of the shire’s seven outdoor pools (which included the Rochester facility).
For the next aquatic strategy, the council will be consulting both the stats, and communities across the shire, to see what the future holds for aquatic features.
In Kyabram, conversation of a new indoor pool began swirling in 2025, with a petition by Kyabram Residents and Ratepayers Action Group Inc garnering 1762 signatures.
But, Kyabram Development Committee chair Tania Chiswell said her group was focused on working with the existing resources rather than pushing for a new pool.
“(KDC) is focusing on the regional park (project) ... we would hope an aquatic area is part of that master plan,” she said.
She said the Kyabram Fauna Park was building its splash park and that would add to the town’s total aquatic assets.
In Stanhope, pool committee members Melissa Northausen and Des Crichton said they weren’t too bothered about the future of the aquatic strategy, but rather were focused on keeping the pool gates open in the summer and getting people through the door.
Tongala Development Committee president Jason Kelley said while there hadn’t been any consultation from council on the aquatic strategy just yet, he hoped a representative of the community could help to ensure Tongala got what it needed out of the strategy.
“Ideally cost wise, usage wise, a splash park would be great ... developing a better playground, a splash park, a basketball court — to have all of that in our town is the very least,” he said.
“But we need someone in the room to consult the council so we do have a say on what goes on in our town.”
Cr Mackrell said residents could hear more about the aquatic strategy over the next few months as engagement began.
“We will be encouraging all residents to share their thoughts and suggestions. Your input is invaluable to informing future aquatic opportunities across the shire,” he said.
