Alice Springs council wants more funding to keep providing free pool entry, but disappointment likely
With patronage to Alice Springs’ pool doubling over summer thanks to free entry as part of a crime-busting action plan, the council wants funding to continue. But they are likely to be disappointed.
Alice Springs
Don't miss out on the headlines from Alice Springs. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Alice Springs Town Council is lobbying the NT Government for ongoing funding to continue offering free admission to its pool.
Entry to the Alice Springs Aquatic & Leisure Centre was free for the six weeks of summer school holidays after funding was provided under the Summer in Central Australia Action Plan, leading to an unprecedented number of visitations.
The action plan, which included a suite of youth-targeted activities to keep bored kids off the streets, was implemented in the wake of the Red Centre’s crime epidemic in 2022–23, which prompted federal intervention and a whistlestop visit from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson said pool visitation soared to more than 25,000 this summer, more than double the about 12,300 visitations seen during the previous summer of crime.
Mr Paterson said the council received about $400,000 in government funding to offer free admission for six weeks under the summer action plan.
He confirmed he had written to the NT Government in a bid to keep the cash tap flowing a while longer as the council undertakes a review into the six-week program, which would consider wear and tear on equipment, staff impacts, and financial impost.
“The partnership with the NT Government through school holidays was fantastic and we’re extremely grateful for that,” Mr Paterson said.
“It was incredible to see so many families enjoy their summer down at the aquatic centre and our team did an incredible job to make everyone feel welcome.
“We saw what a positive impact it can have on our community when all three tiers of government work together with both the aquatic centre initiative and the ice rink [another activity funded under the summer action plan].”
Mr Paterson pointed out Top End residents were able to access Palmerston Water Park and Leanyer Recreation Park for free, arguing affording Alice Springs residents the same opportunity on an ongoing basis would be equitable.
“We think this would be fair for all Territorians,” he said.
However, it appears likely their plea will fall on deaf ears.
Chief Minister Eva Lawler told the NT News the government did not and would not fund council pools such as Palmerston, Parap, Casuarina or Nightcliff.
It did, however, fund assets such as government-owned water parks, such as Palmerston and Leanyer.
Ms Lawler pointed out a government-owned water play park, the Kwatye Play project, would be constructed as part of the National Aboriginal Art Gallery project, which is due for completion in 2027.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story identified that City of Palmerston’s SWELL precinct was owned by the Northern Territory Government. This was incorrect.
Named: Every winner from NT Performing Arts Awards
The Territory’s top talent travelled to the Red Centre for the performing arts industry’s night of nights – with some big winners emerging. Find out who and see the pics from the night.
Cornered teenagers in stolen car pelt rocks at cops in Alice Springs
After allegedly stealing the car of a tourist, a gang of four teenagers allegedly threw rocks at authorities as they busted out of a police cordon, police say. There were six unlawful entries in the Red Centre town overnight.