Commitment to broad community engagement
Council adopted the officer recommendation relating to the Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool following consideration of an independent safety and condition assessment at its meeting on Tuesday 19 May 2026.
Council also accepted a community petition relating to the future of the facility.
The assessment found the Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool is beyond its service life and presents significant safety, compliance and operational risks in its current condition. It concluded that substantial investment would be required to bring the facility up to standard.
The independent assessment estimates remediation would exceed $5.3 million and extend the asset’s life by approximately 10 years, noting that further works would likely be required within five years. It also notes the estimate does not include a range of additional project costs such as detailed design, engineering, permits, demolition, excavation, project management and contingencies.
Council noted that, in line with its obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, the facility cannot be reopened in its current condition.
Council also noted that a new East Gippsland Aquatic Strategy is currently being developed. The strategy will review the condition and future role of aquatic facilities across the shire, include community and stakeholder engagement, and reassess demand for outdoor swimming facilities in Bairnsdale.
Importantly, Council is committed to ensuring the community plays a central role in shaping the future of aquatic facilities across East Gippsland, with broad community and stakeholder engagement to form a key part of the Aquatic Strategy process. Council acknowledged the strong community interest in the facility and the important role aquatic infrastructure plays in supporting health, wellbeing and community participation across East Gippsland.
