Tablelands and Highlands pools won't require proof of vaccination but Moss Vale Aquatic centre faces uncertain future

The NSW Government had previously confirmed that outdoor pools would be allowed to operate from Monday, September 27, for exercise only under the Public Health Order.

Read more: Waste company vows to answer community's 'legitimate questions'

Several new COVID-19 venues of concern across Goulburn and Queanbeyan

Whilst councils need to ensure they have an NSW Health-approved COVID safety plan in place, pools will be open to everyone regardless of vaccination status even after the 70 and 80 per cent vaccination stages commence.

This is in contrast to the roadmap released on Monday in which Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed that activities such as community sport and eating out would be restricted to fully vaccinated people until December 1.

Gyms and other indoor facilities, excluding pools, have been given a green light to recommence operations at the 70 per cent target (likely October 11), albeit with restrictions still in place.

Bluefit CEO and operator of Moss Vale Aquatic Todd McHardy said urgent clarification was needed surrounding the status of indoor pools.

"It's not clear what is happening in less than two weeks around opening," Mr McHardy told the Post.

"It looks as though indoor pools are not open until December 1. That will have an enormous impact on facilities like Moss Vale both for the community and staff retention.

"We haven't yet been told how we're policing vaccination. They're putting it on us to mandate for staff, knowing full well the issues that creates."

Mr McHardy said he hoped the government would reconsider and that Moss Vale would be ready to reopen with a COVID safe plan.

"Disappointing news for Moss Vale, we hope that it's a mistake," he said.

"We want to be open on the 11th. Kids need to learn how to swim, grandparents need to do their aqua classes.

"It's hopefully a mistake."

It's better news for outdoor pools across the Southern Highlands and Southern Tablelands.

Wingecarribee Shire Council confirmed last week that its two outdoor pools would reopen in-line with health advice. Bowral will welcome people back on October 9 and Bundanoon on November 13 whilst Mittagong will remain closed over the summer.

A council spokesperson said that they would "be opening as per the current NSW Health Guidelines as per the opening date of October 9."

Currently vaccines are not mandatory for outdoor pool use although Sutherland Shire has decided to only allow those over the age of 16 entry if they can prove they are fully vaccinated.

Both Wingecarribee and Goulburn Mulwaree will not be imposing any vaccine requirements but swimmers will need to wear masks when out of the water, complete QR check ins and comply with social distancing.

We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: