Tamworth families are facing the loss of winter aquatic access, leaving our community without a heated public swimming facility for months each year. For many residents, aquatic access is not simply recreational — it supports organised sport, rehabilitation, health, youth development, and in some cases educational opportunities linked to scholarships.

The absence of winter access creates a clear regional disadvantage. Families are being forced to travel significant distances to maintain training or therapeutic needs, introducing financial strain, disruption to schooling, and lost opportunities that metropolitan communities do not face. This is an equity issue affecting children, seniors, rehabilitation users, and everyday community members who rely on swimming for wellbeing.

Our community understands that long-term infrastructure solutions take time. However, the current gap demands practical interim action so residents are not left without access each winter.

We are calling on Council to work with community stakeholders and partners to commit to a realistic short-term solution that restores winter aquatic access while longer-term plans progress.

Tamworth families deserve equitable access to essential community facilities. Winter swimming access is not a luxury — it is a necessary investment in health, opportunity, and fairness for regional residents.

We call on Council to formally acknowledge its responsibility to ensure equitable year-round aquatic access for the Tamworth community and to commit to delivering a practical interim winter solution in partnership with stakeholders, with clear timelines and public accountability.