Warrnambool College pool closure rejected; community offers to fund repairs
Education department refuses to extend Warrnambool College pool. It closes December 2026. Community offered to fund repairs.
The Department of Education has rejected requests to extend Warrnambool College's swimming pool. The pool will close in December 2026 and be demolished in January 2027.
The department cited the facility's age and rising maintenance costs. Jayson Lamb runs Splash Factory swimming school at the pool.
He said the department "held their ground" against pleas for an extension. The community offered to pay for any repairs to keep the pool open.
The department refused. Over 2,200 people signed a petition handed to parliament on Wednesday.
The pool was built in 2002 and serves the Warrnambool Swim Club and local families for lessons and training.
- 2002
- Pool built
- December 2026
- Closure date
- January 2027
- Demolition date
- 2200+
- Petition signatures
Why it mattersLosing the pool removes a vital facility for teaching water safety in a coastal town where swimming skills are critical.
AustraliaWarrnambool residents lose access to their only public pool; families needing swimming lessons will face long travel or do without training in a major regional centre.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 d ago
