Subject: Urgent Request: Reconsideration of Reduced Berry Pool Opening Hours for Community Safety
Dear Secretary,
As a Berry resident, I am writing on behalf of concerned parents and community members regarding Shoalhaven City Council’s recent decision to reduce the Berry Pool season from 22 weeks to just 16 weeks (December to mid-March).
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of death among Australian children, making it crucial to maintain access to local pools where children can learn swimming and water safety skills. This decision to cut weeks from the pool’s availability significantly impacts our children’s access to a safe, community-centred environment for learning these essential skills.
While we understand Council’s need to address financial constraints, Berry stands apart from other towns in the region as it lacks immediate access to coastal or river swimming options. The village pool has long been a cherished and essential facility, providing a safe, controlled environment where children can learn water safety and swimming skills in a relaxed setting with family and friends, especially during the warmer months leading up to Christmas.
Unlike larger facilities, such as the Bomaderry Aquatic Centre, Berry Pool operates with fewer staff and lower overheads, making it a vital, cost-effective resource for the community, especially during the warmer months. A case-by-case assessment of pool closures should have considered Berry’s unique needs and excluded it from seasonal reductions.
We are all parents of children who attend Berry Public School, and this shortened season directly affects their ability to participate in school swimming programs. Term 4 swim classes, which help prepare students for safe summer water activities, can no longer go ahead with only two weeks left in the term. As a parent of three young children who are still learning to swim, I rely on initiatives like the school’s swim classes, and this situation is deeply concerning for me and the other parents included on this email.
It’s understood that Kangaroo Valley Pool successfully had this decision overturned for their community, and I appeal to the Forum to support Berry residents in advocating to our Councillors for a similar reconsideration. With their support, we hope to lodge a notice of motion to reverse this decision, which has indirect but significant implications for the safety and well-being of our children.
Additionally, based on experience living in Canada, where public pool operations often include flexible membership options, we suggest that Council consider a pro-rata fee structure for family passes. This would allow more families to commit to using the pool during the season, even if only a few weeks remain, potentially increasing usage and revenue.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to your response and any assistance the Forum can provide in supporting the safety and well-being of our children and community.
Sincerely,
Toby Gibson
On behalf of Concerned Berry Residents
4 Alexandra St