Port Fairy Community Pool to be Demolished After Council Votes to Decommission

The single sharpest fact is that the Port Fairy community pool, which has been closed since November 2025, will be demolished. This decision was made after an independent assessment found that more than 70 per cent of the building's roof and structure required replacement or fixing. The condition of the pool is so severe that it can't be repaired, and decommissioning it is the most practical option.

Moyne Shire Council voted unanimously to decommission the pool, with Deputy Mayor Myra Murrihy describing it as a 'heavy decision'. The council took control of the facility after its forced closure in November and commissioned the independent assessment, which revealed widespread and significant deterioration. They're now faced with the task of finding a solution to the community's recreational needs.

The pool was built in 2007, after years of campaigning by residents for a heated indoor pool in the town. However, it's ended up costing Moyne Shire more than $3 million over its lifetime. The local community had promised that no council money would be needed to operate it when it was first built. It didn't work out that way, though, and the council's had to cover the costs.

'Nobody becomes a councillor to demolish a loved community facility,' said Deputy Mayor Myra Murrihy, who also expressed concern about the impact of the closure on children and elderly people in the community. She noted that children needing swimming lessons are now on waiting lists for nearby pools in Warrnambool. Elderly people are physically deteriorating due to a lack of activity. It's a difficult situation for everyone involved.

Councillor Susan Taylor said the council needed to consider the financial sustainability of the entire shire. 'I don't think I can justify putting money towards a compromised facility,' she said. Mayor Jordan Lockett also weighed in, saying it would be 'financial madness' to repair the pool. They can't afford to throw more money at a facility that's not viable.

The council's decision has been met with community uproar, with some locals rallying to protest the closure and calling for it to be reopened. However, the council has stated that there isn't any money budgeted for the pool demolition, so it won't be progressed for at least a few months. They're waiting for the budget to be sorted out before they can move forward.

The story of the Port Fairy community pool is a complex one, with a history of significant investment and community involvement. The pool was a key part of the town's recreational facilities, but its closure has left a gap that will be difficult to fill. As the council moves forward with the demolition, it will be important to consider the impact on the community. They need to find ways to provide alternative recreational facilities.

In the meantime, the community will have to come to terms with the loss of a beloved facility. The pool may be gone, but its memory will live on. It will be important to learn from the experience to ensure that similar facilities are better maintained and supported in the future. This will help prevent similar situations from arising.

The demolition of the Port Fairy community pool is a significant loss for the community, and it will be important to consider the impact on local residents, particularly children and elderly people who relied on the facility for recreational activities. As the council moves forward, it will be crucial to find ways to provide alternative facilities. They need to support the community in the aftermath of the closure.

The decision to demolish the pool is a pragmatic one, given the significant structural issues and the high cost of repair. However, it's also a sad one, as the pool has been a key part of the community for many years. The community is mourning the loss of a beloved facility. As they come to terms with the loss, they'll need to look to the future. They'll have to find ways to rebuild and to provide new recreational facilities that will meet the needs of local residents.

In terms of what happens next, the council will need to move forward with the demolition. They'll have to find ways to support the community in the aftermath. This will involve providing alternative recreational facilities. They'll also need to find ways to mitigate the impact of the closure on local residents. It will also involve considering the financial sustainability of the entire shire. They'll have to ensure that similar facilities are better maintained and supported in the future.

The story of the Port Fairy community pool is a complex and multifaceted one, with a history of significant investment and community involvement. As the council moves forward with the demolition, it will be important to consider the impact on the community. They need to find ways to provide alternative recreational facilities that will meet the needs of local residents. The pool may be gone, but its memory will live on. It will be important to learn from the experience to ensure that similar facilities are better maintained and supported in the future.

The demolition of the Port Fairy community pool is a significant loss for the community, but it's also an opportunity to rebuild and to provide new recreational facilities that will meet the needs of local residents. As the council moves forward, it will be crucial to find ways to support the community. They'll have to provide alternative facilities that will fill the gap left by the closure of the pool. The community won't forget the pool, and they'll be watching to see what the council does next. The council will have to be transparent and proactive in their efforts to support the community.

They'll have to work closely with local residents to ensure that their needs are met. It's a challenging task, but it's one that the council is committed to undertaking.