But whether that means they will close or not remains to be seen despite the aquatic service review initially recommending four facilities in Lockington, Tongala, Stanhope and Colbinabbin shut their gates.
The review started in 2013 but in 2016 council decided its preferred direction was to deliver aquatic services through Echuca, Kyabram, Rochester and Rushworth, while the other four were subject to community plans to prioritise their needs, which towns had three years to develop.
But those plans are yet to be formed and following a council meeting last Tuesday the deadline has been extended until the end of 2021.
That news left Kylie Floyd, speaking on behalf of the Lockington pool, ‘‘cautiously optimistic’’. She passionately believes the pools deliver an important service and should remain open.
Since 2013/14 Kylie said Lockington had nearly doubled its attendance numbers with more than 4200 visits this season alone.
‘‘I support the recommendation being made, particularly where timeframe has been extended to give more time to determine the direction plans will take,’’ Kylie said at the meeting.
Cr Leigh Wilson stressed there would be ‘‘great sacrifice’’ going forward.
‘Deputy mayor Vicki Neele added ‘‘change was inevitable’’.
‘‘And compromise is required,’’ she said.
‘‘But it’s about finding compromise that will best suit the community.’’
Council will only provide ‘‘essential operational requirements and maintenance’’ works at Colbinabbin, Lockington, Stanhope and Tongala until their future is determined.
Pools in Rochester and Kyabram had been given priority because council said both pools were ageing, leaking and at the end of their useful life.