FACT SHEET
Circular Head Council regrets to advise that the Circular Head War Memorial Pool has
reached the end of its useful life and has become too unsafe to use. After 53 years of loyal
service to this community the pool will be closed indefinitely.
Q: Why is it closing?
A: A recent report revealed an unacceptable safety risk to the public. It is well known that the
pool has been running well beyond its predicted life, and this recent report confirms that it is
beyond simple repairs.
Q: Why didn’t Council maintain it better?
A: The number of issues identified in the report are not as a result of a lack of maintenance,
but rather result from 53 years of service of the pool.
Q: Why now?
A: The most recent report to Council presents unacceptable safety risk to the public and
Council is not prepared for the facility to pose this risk to staff and the community.
Q: Why didn’t Council just take the roof off?
A: The pool’s roof is not the only issue; there are also problems with the filtration, heating
and other infrastructure. Taking the roof off and trying to maintain the pool is also not a
sustainable option. The resulting pressure on heating and filtration, which is extremely old,
would mean the system would fail. This would also result in a short term solution with high
risk of failure and therefore a waste of money.
Q: How does the pool closure affect me?
A: Season tickets will be reimbursed, please come to Council to make arrangements. Council
will also be putting together a list of all pools in the area and working with formal users to
make other arrangements if possible.
Q: When will there be a replacement?
A: Council will be conducting an Open Space, Sport and Recreation study with the WaratahWynyard Council, which will reassess what we will do about the pool into the future. Council
will also now work with not only members of the Swimming Pool Reference Group and the
Circular Head Recreation Advisory Committee, and the wider community on the next steps.
Council will be in contact with the State and Federal Governments to see if funding would be
available. The construction of a new pool could take up to 24 months from securing funding
to complete.
Q: How can I find out more?
A: Please contact Council on 6452 4800. Council will also hold information sessions in the
near future to provide further information for those interested.