Slide decision paused until next year

Councillors have supported a recommendation to delay the decision to allow time for an assessment of the operations of the Bright river pool over summer, including pool incidents and feedback from the community, business and visitors.

Alpine Shire Mayor Sarah Nicholas said it’s important not to rush into a decision until safety implications are understood.

“The slide was removed in October 2021 following safety concerns, and the last thing we want to do is install a compliant slide without a strong understanding of what it means for the safety of river pool users,” she said.

“The Bright river pool is a unique swimming experience for our community and visitors, but it does come with risks.

“Last year we committed to investigate an alternative compliant slide, as well as gain a better understanding into the overall safety of the Bright river pool and the impact of the slide removal to surrounding businesses, visitors and community.

“Unfortunately, a restricted 21/22 summer school holiday period caused by COVID-19 staffing impacts, and an unseasonably wet January with higher than average river flows, mean the data collected this summer isn’t enough for a decision.

“We have water safety data from previous seasons, with the slide in place, that we will be able to compare to information collected during a ‘normal’ summer season, to help inform our decision.

“By pausing this decision until after next summer, we can gain a better understanding of how the slide removal had impacted the safety of the river pool, and whether nearby businesses have been affected.”

A compliant alternative slide has been investigated, and will cost approximately $70,000 to design and install, with additional ongoing management and maintenance costs.