The City has been required to close the pool at Leeming Recreation Centre from tomorrow afternoon (Saturday, 21 June) and is already making energy cutbacks at all other Council buildings and facilities.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said it was a tough decision to close Leeming pool, however, it was necessary as the pool was a big user of gas for pool and space heating. “We are also reducing pool temperatures and operating hours at Melville Aquatic Fitness Centre from Monday, 23 June, and have already reduced heating at all other Council buildings and facilities and requested staff turn off all unnecessary lighting and appliances,” he said.

Mayor Aubrey said these measures would reduce the City’s total daily gas usage by about 45 per cent and there would also be significant electricity savings. “We expect these changes to have minimal financial impact on the City of Melville,” he said. “The loss of income from Leeming Recreation Centre pool will be balanced by a reduction in costs for gas, cleaning, maintenance, chemicals and staffing.”

Chief Executive Officer Dr Shayne Silcox said the Leeming Recreation Centre pool would be closed on Saturday following the completion of the morning swim lessons. “Fortunately, we will be able to move almost all swim school and other programs to Melville Aquatic Fitness Centre,” he said. “Most of the staff will also be able to be accommodated at Melville Aquatic. Those who can’t will be transferred to work in other areas of the Council. All other programs and facilities at Leeming Recreation Centre will run as normal.”

Mayor Aubrey said it was an unfortunate situation that the City was faced with but it had to be responsible during the gas crisis. “We are conscious of the fact that we are reducing services for our community and inconveniencing Leeming Recreation Centre pool users,” he said. “This is why we are doing all we can to accommodate Leeming patrons at Melville Aquatic during the pool closure.”

The Mayor said all users would be informed of the Leeming Recreation Centre pool closure through signs at the centre, by staff and a notice on the City’s website. “We are unsure of how long the gas and energy rationing will be required, however, we will keep the community informed of any developments as they come to hand,” he said.