The cost to Upper Hunter Shire Council to open and run the Murrurundi pool for the shorter season will be about $155,000. 

This doesn’t include the costs of transporting water, which is required this year due to water restrictions.

The Murrurundi Royal Hotel offered to supply a water truck and driver, an offer council gratefully accepted.

Council is paying for the water – and the carting began as soon as their truck was available.

Council is aware of reports of community fundraising towards the pool costs, centred around the Royal Hotel. 

Those funds have not come to council and aren’t expected to go towards the $155,000 cost to run the pool.

Council has also been in discussion with Godolphin who has also offered to contribute towards the pool costs.

As in previous years, those who use the Murrurundi pool will contribute to its running costs through entry fees, as they do at Scone and Merriwa pools.

Council’s cost to run the three pools is about $550,000 per season.

Season passes for Murrurundi Pool will be available this season at half price – and can still be used at the shire’s three pools when the season pass is purchased after the Murrurundi pool is opened:

* Pensioner Pass access to all pools $ 45

* Adult Pass access to all pools $ 75

* Family Pass access to all pools $142.50

* Child Pass (2 to 16 yrs includes) access to all pools $ 52.50

Single entry fees (all pools):

* Carers for Learner Swim Classes: Free

* Companion Card Holder: Free

* Casual Entry: $4.40

* Spectator: $2

* School Sport: $2.60

* Pensioner: $2.60

* Non-swimming chaperon for child up to 12: Free

The Murrurundi pool will open in December prior to the school holidays.