Future of Nick Reece’s election pledge to cut pool entry to $2 in doubt

Lord Mayor Nick Reece’s election pledge to cut pool entry to $2 is in doubt, with council officers recommending significant changes to the program.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece’s election pledge to cut pool entry to $2 was popular during a trial but council bureaucrats recommend the program only continue next January and be limited to concession card holders instead of year-round and open to all City of Melbourne residents.

The council conducted a trial of the $2 pool entry program in January this year but it was only for weekday pool entry at Carlton Baths and North Melbourne Outdoor Pools. A free intensive swimming lesson program was offered at the Melbourne City Baths, with a limit of 400 places.

The report into the trial found that a total of 9422 $2 swimming sessions were purchased and January’s pool attendance for the City of Melbourne increased by 38 per cent. Of those who purchased a $2 swim, 57 per cent credited the cheaper price for their visit.

Mr Reece promised $2 pool entry for City of Melbourne residents in the lead up to the election. Picture: Jason Edwards

However, council bureaucrats are proposing significantly reducing the scope of Mr Reece’s election pledge to the community.

Council management recommends that the $2 swim program only be held again next January and be capped for concession card holders rather than a year-round program available to all City of Melbourne residents.

A media release sent out by Mr Reece in August, in the lead up to the council election in October stated: “Under the initiative, casual entry fees for adults, students, concession card holders, and children will all be reduced to $2, offering substantial savings of up to 75 per cent.”

The initiative proved popular at Carlton Baths, which saw an uptick in visitors.

“The Pool Splash initiative is available to all City of Melbourne residents and is expected to cost $3 million each year.”

The one-month trial for the $2 pool entry only ended up costing $26,000.

The council report evaluating the trial only recommends that the council “deliver the $2 pool splash initiative in January 2026 at Carlton Baths and North Melbourne Pool targeting concession card holders, children and families including weekends, in response to customer feedback as a cost-of-living relief for City of Melbourne residents.”

Mr Reece’s office has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Future of Nick Reece’s election pledge to cut pool entry to $2 in doubt