MILLICENT water lovers can splash about for another four weeks as the town’s swimming lake will remain filled until April 26.
Rather than closing at the customary time of March 31, Wattle Range Council has rubber-stamped a staff recommendation to extend the season.
It is expected to cost $8000 for water testing and chlorine while a similar sum has been earmarked for an identical extension at the Penola pool.
However, the Nangwarry pool will close as usually scheduled at the end of this month.
There was no debate when the swimming season staff report was tabled at this week’s monthly council meeting.
The staff report said the extended season of the two facilities would take in the school holidays and Easter.
Staff said factors taken into consideration each year when planning the closure included the timing of holidays, along with usage and weather conditions.
“With the closure of the Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre on February 29, Wattle Range Council officers have received an increase
in enquiries for swimming lessons, swim club training and school swimming for the coming year,” the report said.
“It is anticipated there will be increased demand for each of council’s facilities until the expected opening of the new indoor recreation hub at Mount Gambier in 2022.”
Millicent Lakeside Café proprietor Derek Sparkes welcomed the council decision and said it would be good for tourists.
“They will see the lake full of water and perhaps use it,” he said.
“The kids do not care if the water is cold.”
“We have had mild weather in February and now we need the sun.”
The adjacent caravan park is almost full over Easter with strong demand from the Geocache convention which is centred on Millicent.
Millicent resident Megan Whitehead said the extended swimming season would benefit her young family.
“We come here on most days of summer,” Ms Whitehead said.
“I also come here with five other adult swimmers at 8.30am on three days of each week.
“I think council is justified in spending the $16,000 at Millicent and Penola to keep the swimming facilities running.”
Millicent businessman Mark Pilmore said the extended swimming season would result in benefits for his delicatessen.
“Having the swimming lake open for another few weeks is another reason to come to Millicent,” Mr Pilmore said.
“We are having plenty of tourists in the shop.
“They are not travelling overseas at the moment and are staying local.
“There is still an impact from the summer bushfires as people are holidaying over this way.
“There are plenty of grey nomads about and they might use the Millicent swimming lake.”
