Pascoe Vale and other Moreland swimming pools in danger of closing due to huge financial losses

MORELAND’s swimming pools could face closure as new figures show five out of the six are leaking money.

MORELAND’S pools are in danger of closing as new figures reveal five of the six operate at significant losses.

Brunswick Baths, which had an $18 million redevelopment in 2013-14, made more than $850,000 profit in the past financial year, but the total loss across the six pools was $949,734.

Fawkner Leisure Centre ran at a loss of close to $1 million with 135,000 attendees, while Pascoe Vale Outdoor Pool had only 8204 visits and ran at a loss of $177,534.

These figures do not include capital maintenance costs, such as repairs and maintenance, with $6.7 million allocated across the next five years to meet these needs.

Residents are determined to put up a fight, with one “Save Pascoe Vale Pool” online petition already securing hundreds of signatures.

Moreland Council will take submissions until the end of this week on its Aquatic and Leisure Strategy. Residents at this month’s council meeting queried whether the new strategy meant the council wanted to close pools. Councillor Natalie Abboud said the council had to work out its priorities.

“I understand the desire for all the pools to remain open, but the problem is we are not managing the pools well,” Cr Abboud said.

“There is a very good chance that one or two or three or some of the pools might change the way that they perform.”

Pascoe Vale resident Vita Mezzatesta said community pools were not intended to make a profit.

“It doesn’t make sense to get rid of a pool when the population’s growing,” Ms Mezzatesta said.

Council social development director Arden Joseph said Moreland’s pools were ageing and needed “extensive” works.

“When the consultation is complete and the community’s views are known, the council will be in a sound position to consider longer-term strategic directions for our pools,” Mr Joseph said.