General News
8 August, 2025
Pool leaks continue as council seeks long-term sports grant
A condition report for the Gilgandra Swimming Pool has reaffirmed council’s long-term direction to seek grant funding for a new sport facility.
Gilgandra Shire Council has previously announced a long-term plan to redevelop the pool site into a large-scale sports hub, the Hunter Park Recreational Precinct, currently estimated to cost around $14 million.
A recent condition report undertaken by NSW Public Works shows the Gilgandra pool is suffering from several issues, consistent with age-related deterioration of the facility.
The pool is now over 85-years-old, having been built in 1939. The condition report rates the pool as being in poor condition; confirming ongoing leaks, structural wear, and outdated mechanical systems.
The report states the pool does not comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) for access (lack of ramps), evaporation losses, and other NCC requirements.
The report showed that the pool currently leaks at a rate of 35,000 litres of water per day equivalent to a 90 millimetre drop in water level in 24 hours. This leak is costing council $2109 annually.
The report’s structural inspections revealed that the main pool joints are in poor condition, with broken tiles and likely water ingress through cracks in the concrete shell.
The adjacent wading pool also leaks into the main pool and has deteriorated joint seals. During the previous swimming season, pool patrons also reported broken tiles resulting in minor cuts. The amenities and shade structures, which have had some recent upgrades, were rating as in fair to good condition. The plant room, bash wash tanks and other pipes/pumps in the filtering system were rated as poor to fair. However, the chlorine dosing system was assessed as excellent and compliant with current standards.
Following an onsite inspection in April 2025, the condition report delivered by NSW Public Works, was undertaken by senior structural engineer Mikhail Kogan, principal engineer Zoran Slavnic, and mechanical engineer Mihir Suthar. The report cost $22,455 which was funded in the 2024/25 budget.
At the July meeting, council resolved to undertake short-term maintenance, including tile replacement and joint resealing, using existing 2025/26 maintenance budget allocations. These works aim to ensure safety and operational capacity for the upcoming swim season set to begin prior to the Goin’ to Gil Festival Weekend in October.
The condition report will also be used to support further funding opportunities to progress the Hunter Park Recreational Precinct.
