A council-released master plan – which proposes the removal of the current “Rampage” pool and slide in favour of an indoor 20-metre heated pool, has drawn criticism from across the Riverina.

Narrandera resident Natasha Hanlon said people travel all the way from Wagga to enjoy the pool.

“No one wants to go to Wagga’s indoor pool in Summer – that is why they come to our beautiful pool,” Ms Hanlon said. 

“I don’t want to lose a wonderful swimming pool and slide at the cost of a heated pool.”

Narrandera council’s deputy general manager of infrastructure Julian Geddes defended the plan. 

“We want to reinforce it is a concept – we are not resolved to do anything but community consultation at this point,” Mr Geddes said. 

“The master plan shows the Rampage pool potentially being converted into a green space with a new water slide. The 50-metre pool and the kids pools will not change.

“We know people travel throughout the region to our pool and we don’t want anything to impact that.” 

Mr Geddes said cost concerns would be addressed in the next phase. 

“The cost of running a heated pool will be looked at as part of the process,” Mr Geddes said. 

“An indoor heated pool doesn’t necessarily need to run all year round.” 

While Ms Hanlon said she did not support the entire redevelopment, she was in favour of a heated pool. 

“I hope the council listens to ratepayers this time around,” she said.

Griffith resident Leonie Woods says she travels nearly an hour to Lake Talbot for family days at the pool. 

“You would struggle to find a Griffith resident who doesn't regret the loss of our outdoor facility,” Ms Woods said. “People travel there because it is an outdoor pool – it is an absolute jewel in Narrandera’s crown.

“The grounds are well-maintained and it is one of the few facilities left in the region to cater for families with children of all ages.” 

Wagga’s Oasis centre manager Maurice Eames said in a perfect world, a combination of both an indoor and an outdoor pool is preferable for any swimming complex. 

“An outdoor pool is great but for a regional area who gets such harsh winters an indoor pool offers more opportunities,” Mr Eames said. 

Mr Eames said the design of an indoor pool was crucial to its success.

“It really needs to be built to a design that can open up in Summer but still remain undercover,” he said. 

“An indoor pool can become stifling if it’s completely closed up.” 

The council has started its community engagement process with a final plan set for release in April. 

Residents can email feedback to council@narrandera.nsw.gov.au