Sustainability Review

In 2023, as part of a sector review, the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) found that the Mid Murray Council’s current financial position was potentially unsustainable, recommending amongst other things that Council identify efficiencies across its operations and service delivery, including considering asset sale or disposal options.

Council had already commenced reviewing its operations to identify financial sustainability measures and cost savings prior to the ESCOSA advice, however this reinforced Council’s commitment to identifying cost savings and efficiencies to improve the financial position of the business in a highly challenging operating environment.

Council is also acutely aware of the financial pressures facing the community, and the need to balance affordability for the community while implementing measures to deliver long-term sustainability, and the provision of services for the community.

Council will be consulting with the community throughout this process to ensure they have the opportunity for input into any changes Council may decide to make.

Facility Review

A component of the Sustainability Review is to assess the operations of facilities that are either owned or operated by Council. The following reviews are being progressed in 2024.

• Morgan Public Library, Morgan Activity Centre and Blanchetown Hub (March-June)
• Swimming Pools (April-June)
• Mannum Leisure Centre (May-August)

Facilities Review – Swimming Pools

As Council works towards improving its financial sustainability, Council is currently considering the future service provision of both the Cambrai and Mannum Pools in the next stage of the facilities review.
Due to the substantial cost of providing these services to the community, Council is considering several alternatives, including rationalisation options. These include, exploring alternative management structures, voluntary staffing, and increased entry fees.
There are many variations, to the options stated in the discussion paper, that could be considered and will be explored through the consultation process.

The Swimming Pools

The Cambrai Pool is owned and operated by Mid Murray Council. The Pool was built in 1962 and funded by the community who raised money to keep it running until the mid-1970’s when it was leased to the former Cambrai Area School. Eventually the care and control of the Pool was returned to Council who has operated it in the interest of the community since.

The Mannum Community College Pool is owned by the Department for Education and Child Development, with Council responsible for operations and staffing outside of school hours to enable community public use.

Current Service Levels:
During the 2023/2024 season Council operated both pools from 1 December until 3 March, with two lifeguards each, opening between 3.30pm to 7.30pm when forecast was above 25 degrees on the following days:
Cambrai – Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Mannum – Monday, Thursday, Saturday

Have your say!

As part of the Facilities Review process, Council has prepared a Discussion Paper outlining the options for the community to consider and provide its feedback on the services provided at Cambrai and Mannum Swimming Pools. Community members are encouraged to review the Discussion Paper prior to completing the survey.

Council is keen to hear the community’s views about the future service delivery of these facilities. Community Engagement sessions will be held at the following times and locations;

Cambrai Council Chambers - Main Street, Cambrai

• Tuesday 30 April, 5.30pm - 6.30pm
• Tuesday 7 May, 1.00pm - 2.30pm

Mannum Leisure Centre (Senior Citizens Room) - 51 Adelaide Road, Mannum

• Thursday 2 May, 11.30am - 12.30pm
• Tuesday 7 May, 6.00pm - 7.00pm

To view the Discussion Paper - Facilities Review - Cambrai and Mannum Community College Swimming Pools - click here.

Have your say by either completing the survey or making a written submission to Council. To complete our online survey click here.

For more information please click on the following link: MEDIA RELEASE - 19 April 2024 - Community Invited to have say on Cambrai and Mannum Swimming Pools

Consultation closes 12.00pm Monday 20 May 2024