Councillors made the decision at a council meeting in April this year, following a review into the centre’s performance and re-evaluation of its direction.

A council spokesperson said the Aquatic Centre would be undergoing significant redevelopment to ensure it was able to provide for the Goulburn Mulwaree community for decades to come.

“Efficient management of the redevelopment process is essential and the council felt the best solution was to resume direct management of the facility,” the spokesperson said. 

“As part of direct management, the council will be revamping the programming at the Aquatic Centre, with all new schedules and a reinvigorated learn to swim program.

“These programming changes will be rolling out from October 1.”

The council is also embarking on a partnership with the Royal Life Saving Swim and Survive program.

“This program is a comprehensive swimming and water safety program,” the council’s spokesperson said.

The program seeks to increase swimming and water safety skills in all Australian children in order to prevent drowning and increase participation in safe aquatic activity, the spokesperson said.

“Fees and charges have also now been released with no changes to casual swim or fitness entry prices, memberships or swimming lesson prices.” 

The price for a general adult entry into the Aquatic Centre is $3.

Meanwhile, Goulburn schools have thrown their support behind an initiative to prevent childhood drownings by offering free swimming lessons for children under five during national Learn to Swim Week, which began on Saturday, September 24.

The Goulburn Aquatic Centre and the Neate Swim School are urging parents to visit the Learn to Swim Week website at learntoswimweek.com.au to sign up children under five for vital water safety skills, free of charge.

To sign up for free swimming lessons for children under five, go to learntoswimweek.com.au, enter your postcode and contact the school for details. 

Learn to Swim Week reminds parents of the importance of teaching children aged under five to swim.