IT'S been revealed that a decision regarding the privatisation of all five of Newcastle's inland pools is imminent.
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Leasing out public pools to private management is not good for the health of our children, the operation of our swimming clubs and the accessibility to an important community asset for ratepayers.
History shows us that when public amenities are privatised, corners end up being cut, leading to higher costs to the community and a decrease in service quality.
Public pools play a vital role in the community in promoting health through physical activity.
Obesity is a health problem of epidemic proportions in Australia and one that affects the Hunter community substantially.
Research by the Hunter Valley Research Foundation shows that 61 per cent of residents in the Hunter are overweight or obese.
Data from Hunter Medicare Local shows that 70 per cent of Hunter residents don't meet the recommended level of exercise.
Obesity is a known risk factor for chronic health conditions including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer.
We should be doing everything we can to encourage physical activity, and an increase in entry fees and a decrease in opening hours will definitely not help that aim.
Keeping our swimming centres as accessible as possible for the community is not just an issue of protecting our public assets, it's an issue of protecting our health.
Our swim centres play an important role in the operation of learn to swim classes and competitive sporting opportunities for young people.
The Wallsend Warriors are a wonderful swim club and a good example of the important role these organisations have in keeping our children active. I'm always pleased to see them performing well in competitions and, more importantly, keeping young people motivated to stay fit and healthy.
Public swimming pools also serve as an important community sporting venue for thousands of pupils every year taking part in school swimming carnivals.
Swimming lessons play a vital role in educating children on water safety and tackling the tragedy of drowning in backyard pools.
The NSW Water Safety Strategy 2013-2015 states that improving swimming ability in young children is a key priority.
I have serious concerns about the impact of pool privatisations on the viability of swim clubs and learn-to-swim classes in the Newcastle local government area.
Shorter pool hours and increased costs will have a harsh impact on families living in Newcastle's outer suburbs such as Wallsend and Beresfield.
Beresfield needs its pool to stay accessible. The 3000 people who live there already suffer from being the farthest from the Newcastle CBD and often, it seems, the farthest from the minds of Newcastle City Council when it comes to funding services and infrastructure.
Our council pools are not a luxury or an indulgence; they are vital community hubs and an important public service.
Most ratepayers would like to see them receive continued funding as a public community asset.
Sonia Hornery is member for Wallsend and shadow minister for the Hunter
