Federation councillors have unanimously agreed to a fees and charges structure for the $10.3 million Corowa Aquatic Centre in addition to a one-off, 8 per cent rate increase to offset its ongoing operations.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It is banking on 9500 people using the facility in its first year of operation, but will still run at a projected $627,000 loss.
Corowa only had an outdoor pool up until the decision to build the all-year round indoor, outdoor pool complex including splash park.
"We don't know how it is going to perform long-term," development and environmental services director Susan Appleyard said.
"People will be excited to use it at the start, but come the second year we will likely see a drop-off.
"You will get your stalwarts who will swim, your learn to swim, school programs, we are going to learn a lot in the next 12 months."
IN OTHER NEWS
If council decided to fully subsidise the facility the rate increase sought would be $152.80 per property and cost on average $1.2 million in annual running costs.
Cr David Longley doubted people from other towns like Mulwala would use the facility when it opens midway through next year.
But the Howlong-based councillor remained supportive of the proposed fee structure,which includes a yearly adult membership of $500, children and concession card holders $385 and spectator only entry fee of $3.
There is also a $25 per hour commercial user group lane hire fee.
Cr Gail Law predicted a lot more people would use the facility than early patronage estimates.
"Older people will come to use it because swimming in warm water is very good for them and their aches and pains," she said.
"People will be able to get good exercise in the winter when they can't get out and walk.
"It has to be some users pays, we can't do it for nothing."