Community
14 January, 2024
Free splash pad on hold
FREE entry to those wanting to use the new splash pad at the Mossman pool is on the agenda of a future Douglas Shire Council meeting.
The council has set charges for use of the entire pool area which gives all-day access to the amenities and kiosk, toddler pool, kid’s pool, free barbecue and picnic area, 50-metre pool, and the new splash pad.
But a move to maintain current charges of a family day pass (four people) $15, adult $6, children aged three-12 years $5, children under 3 and spectators free was rejected by four of the council’s five councillors with Mayor Michael Kerr the only one in favour.
The pad, plus another for Port Douglas, are funded by the council and $1.5 million from the Queensland Government.
Cr Abigail Noli told last month’s council meeting that she wanted use of the splash pad to be free for all users under an “honesty system” with no obligations on staff to enforce the rules.
She said she was happy for people to pay to use the other facilities but not the splash pad.
Cr Kerr said pools were one of the most expensive facilities for the council to maintain.
He said fees were required to recoup the cost of building and maintaining the pools.
Cr Kerr said $15 for a family of four to have all-day access to all parts of the Mossman pool was not unreasonable.
The pad has yet to open with Ergon still to upgrade the power supply required.
A council report said the splash pad was built within the fenced Mossman pool facility for security and amenity, “but this location presents challenges for the provision of free entry to the splash pad”.
“Various options have been explored to enable free entry for families utilising the splash pad, including fencing the splash pad from the rest of the venue, changing the fees and charges schedule to allow free entry to the pool precinct for all Douglas residents, or to allow free entry to the precinct for those only using the splash pad,” it said.
“Each of these options would result in reduced services to patrons of the pool precinct or a negative financial impact to council, or both. It is therefore recommended that council maintains the current fee structure and continues to allow patrons of the pool precinct to enjoy all of the various activities and services the venue currently provides, in addition to access to the new splash pad.”
