Published 21 February 2025

Royal Life Saving Australia has released a statement welcoming recent Commonwealth Government support which recognises the urgent need for funding to support the electrification renewal and construction of new and existing community pools.

The statement points to recent announcements funding energy efficiency upgrades at 31 local aquatic centres, noting it as “a significant contribution to the sustainability of much loved community facilities across Australia”.

We know that local governments, particularly in regional and remote areas, have struggled to find the funding to keep up with increasing energy costs and facility upgrades, but we are motivated to a play a positive role in mitigating against climate change.

Increasingly, we are seeing local governments play a frontline role in climate-related disasters, while simultaneously having to consider closing their pools all together, as they face significant investment for repairs or outright replacement.

Aquatic facilities are a key contributor to drowning prevention and water safety activities, particularly in regional and inland locations, and are a key contributor to the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 objectives.

From a social, health and economic perspective aquatic facilities make an enormous difference to the communities and represent hugely positive returns on investment.

We will be releasing further research outlining the State of Aquatic Facility Infrastructure across Australia. This report will outline the economic benefit of community pools, identify swimming pool infrastructure gaps, and provide case studies encouraging the adoption of sustainable planning practices.

Speaking on the issue, Royal Life Saving Chief Executive, Dr Justin Scarr said the Commonwealth Government plays an important and significant role in supporting community health and wellbeing through funding local public pools. He said, "we welcome the Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure's recent announcements under the Growing Regions, Thriving Suburbs and Community Energy Upgrades programs, which indicate an increased proportion of Australian Government community infrastructure funding is being allocated to local aquatic centres.

"We welcome those announcements, and continuing to work with industry partners as we contribute research and frameworks which identify how these initiatives may be strengthened.

"Given that we had another tragic summer, where many communities across Australia have been heavily impacted by drowning, the importance of widespread community access to a great local pool for fun, fitness and swimming lessons can't be understated."

Royal Life Saving Australia has had a significant focus and track record in advocacy and research which promotes the role of aquatic facilities in drowning prevention, water safety, community health, social connection, inclusion and social impact, as well as the state of aquatic facility infrastructure.

Find out more at: www.royallifesaving.com.au/Aquatic-Risk-and-Guidelines/aquatic-research