Council
11 November, 2025
Council seeks comment on new pool charges
Upper Lachlan Council is seeking comment on proposed new entry fees for the Crookwell and Gunning swimming pools after a public backlash over the fees introduced as part of this year’s Operational Plan.
Upper Lachlan Council is seeking comment on proposed new entry fees for the Crookwell and Gunning swimming pools after a public backlash over the fees introduced as part of this year’s Operational Plan.
Council adopted its 2025-26 Operational Plan in June this year including swimming pool entry fees of $9 for adults, $6 for children and $20 for families. Season tickets were set at $200 for families, $130 for adults and $80 for children.
While there had been no comment on the proposed fee increase when the Operational Plan was exhibited, Mayor Paul Culhane said councillors had subsequently received negative feedback and there had been “genuine concerns raised from the community on the affordability of the adopted entrance fees”.
In a report prepared for an extraordinary meeting of council on November 4 to discuss the issue, Cr Culhane said casual pool entry fees should be reduced to align with the entry fees at pools in neighbouring LGAs.
Council resolved to place draft amended fees for the 2025-26 swimming season on exhibition for 28 days. The draft fees are $6 for adults, $4 for children and $15 for families. The draft fees for season tickets are $175 for families, $110 for adults and $65 for children.
The draft fees are on exhibition until 4pm on Tuesday, December 4. Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer and can be emailed to council@upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au or posed to PO Box 42, Gunning, NSW, 2581.
If the draft fees are adopted it will result in a loss of income to council of approximately $10,000.
Read More: Crookwell, Gunning, Southern Tablelands