20/10/2025
**Media Release - New Beginnings for Glenthompson Pool**
The Glenthompson Pool has a new way forward, with Council endorsing a community-led operating arrangement at its October meeting.
Following the Council decision in April 2024 to close the pool, a notice of motion from Councillor Manning led to Council working alongside the Glenthompson community to investigate a model where the pool could open for the 2025/26 season.
After extensive collaboration between the Glenthompson Pool Committee and Council, a proposal was tabled for the Committee to lease the pool from Council for $1. The lease will initially cover one year, with the option to extend for an additional two years. This timeframe will give the Committee the opportunity to develop a long-term business plan and establish financial partnerships to ensure the pool’s ongoing sustainability.
This new model will enable the community to take the lead in managing the facility including giving them control over opening days and times, ensuring the pool remains a safe and welcoming space for local residents and visitors.
Southern Grampians Shire Councillor and Glenthompson local, Cr Jayne Manning, said the arrangement reflects the shared commitment of Council and the Committee to find a practical solution for this community facility.
“This has been a very thorough process, with Council staff and officials working closely with the Pool Committee to find a way to reopen the pool for the Glenthompson community,” Cr Manning said.
“Under the new model, the Glenthompson Pool Committee will manage day-to-day operations, while Council provides ongoing support during the transition. This includes weekly monitoring, minor maintenance, daily water quality checks, and technical advice in the first year of the lease.
“Council will also focus on building the Committee’s capacity, with the aim for the Committee to operate the pool independently in future seasons.”
To prepare for reopening, Council will reallocate $120,000 in unspent funds, originally set aside for the purchase of the former Glenthompson Primary School site for community use, to address immediate maintenance needs.
As part of that reallocation, Council will provide $30,000 cash contribution to assist the Committee with first-year operational costs, including equipment, utilities, and lifeguard wages. Council will also cover pool chemicals, lifeguard training, and continue funding building and facility insurance.
The Committee will be responsible for day-to-day operations, including managing staffing, recruitment, pre-employment checks, payroll, power and water charges, and public liability insurance.
Council will complete a range of preparatory maintenance works including toddler pool shell repairs, concourse restoration, filter and water treatment plant upgrades, emergency shower replacement, and chemical supplies. Works will be funded from the $120,000 allocation and are expected to cost approximately $64,000.
Marius Cuming, spokesperson for the Glenthompson Pool Committee said they are pleased to have the plan accepted by Council.
“We are appreciative of Council coming to the table and agreeing to work with us on a solution. Both the committee and the community are very excited and feeling really positive about the future of the pool. There is a lot of work for us to do between now and reopening, but we’re confident we can get it done and pleased to have a way forward,” Mr Cuming said.
Cr Manning thanked the Committee for their efforts in finding an achievable solution.
“I want to thank the Committee and the broader community for their commitment to the future of Glenthompson,” Cr Manning said.
“Their dedication will help to ensure the Glenthompson Pool can remain a vibrant part of town life. It’s a perfect example of how small communities can work together to protect and celebrate local facilities with Council.”
This collaborative approach demonstrates the strength of the Glenthompson community and Council working together to ensure a valued local facility can reopen.
Should the Glenthompson Pool Committee fail to meet the conditions regarding the Community Model, then the previous Council resolution from 10 April 2024 stands.
https://www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/About-Council/News-and-Media/Media-Releases/New-Beginnings-for-Glenthompson-Pool
