Warburton’s leaking pool closed by council

By Kath Gannaway
WARBURTON residents and visitors to the town will be without a pool this summer.
Yarra Ranges’ CEO Glenn Patterson announced last week that the pool would not open this summer because of leaks.
Mr Patterson said an inspection of the pool had revealed it had leaked up to two million litres of water over a three-month period – almost twice its total volume.
With the shire under Stage 3a water restrictions requiring the council to find water savings of about five megalitres (five million litres) Mr Patterson said the situation was untenable.
Extensive cracking and a range of structural defects were identified in the inspection with the problems made worse because of the pool’s proximity to the Yarra River and the area’s high groundwater table.
“While it was understood that the Warburton Outdoor Pool would close once the Yarra Junction Aquatic Centre was developed, the shire has worked to extend the life of the pool for the past three and a half years,” Mr Patterson said.
The extent of the water loss has left locals with very little option but to accept the closure this summer but president of Warburton Tourism, Baden Berry is calling for a plan for its repair in time for next summer.
“Closing over summer will make a huge difference to the enjoyment of summer in the town for both locals and tourists,” he said.
“You can understand them closing it because of the leaks, but I would hate to think it is being considered as a permanent situation,” he said.
The pool is located in the grounds of the Warburton Caravan Park but operated independently.
Caravan Park operator David Hockley said he was comfortable with the decision.
“Tourist-wise there is always a downside to something like this but it’s pointless trying to fill something that’s leaking and you have to protect our water supply.”
The shire, however, says the pool is at the end of its operating life.
“The shire will work with the Warburton community to identify an appropriate alternative to cater for the recreation needs of the local community,” Mr Patterson said.
He said $550,000 had been allocated for Warburton to identify and develop options for the future and added that the nearby Yarra Junction Aquatic Centre would cater for locals wanting to cool off over the summer season.