Families have hit back at proposed rises to entry fees at Narrabri Shire Council’s pools at Narrabri, Wee Waa and Boggabri.
As The Courier revealed last Thursday, increased entry fees, including annual passes, are contained in council’s 2013/2014 draft budget.
Single entry fees at Wee Waa and Boggabri pools would rise from $1.70 for children and $3.20 for adults to $2 and $3.50 respectively.
The Narrabri pool entry fee would rise from $1.70 for children and $3.20 for adults, to $3 and $5 respectively.
A 26-week family season pass at the Wee Waa and Boggabri pools would rise from $260 to $416.
At Narrabri, the same pass would rise from $260 to $624.
A 12-month pass would rise to $1,248.
President of the Narrabri Stingrays Swimming Club, Allison Tomlinson, said the proposed price rises would make it unaffordable for most families.
“Narrabri now has this wonderful indoor facility, which I’m guessing most people will not be able to afford to use,” she said.
“To make the family season passes increase almost three times what they have been, as well as charge lane hire fees on top of these, will make it too expensive for the kids to swim.”
Parents of swimming club members hold similar concerns.
“It’s just going to be too expensive for us to swim, especially when I’ve got three kids,” said Kate Bakhuis.
Mother Jo Barnes described the proposed rises as “ridiculous”.
“It will be too expensive for a lot of families, it will make it very hard if not impossible to continue with the swimming club,” she said.
Residents have also taken to council’s Facebook page to vent their frustration.
“Shame shame shame,” wrote one user.
“I was so looking forward to this pool but as a pensioner I will not be able to afford these prices,” wrote another.
The proposal is part of a draft document currently on public exhibition.
Residents can make submissions to the general manager by June 21 which will be considered prior to council passing the changes.