By ANNA USHER

North Sydney Council is proposing an $11 casual entry fee for the suburb’s soon-to-open North Sydney Olympic Pool, as the troubled development edges closer to welcoming swimmers back through the turnstiles.

But residents hoping for discounted admission are set for disappointment if Council adopts its proposed fees and charges schedule.

A report to be tabled on Monday, 9 February says the new pricing framework has been developed to fund ongoing operational costs, loan repayments, and a renewal reserve.

Under the proposal, adult casual entry would be $11.

That compares with lower casual entry fees at several public pools across Sydney, including Prince Alfred Park Pool ($9.10), Dawn Fraser Baths ($7.20), Sydney Olympic Park ($9.30) and Lane Cove Aquatic Centre ($9.10).

Multi-visit passes at North Sydney would be priced at $99 for 10 visits and $187 for 20 visits, with concessions proposed at $321.75 and $536.25. A family casual entry, (two adults and two children) would cost $31.70, with each additional child charged $7.

The report recommends that discounted entry fees for residents be rejected.

“While a resident discount may feel equitable for residents who regularly use North Sydney Olympic Pool [NSOP], it would reduce the Pool’s income overall,” the report says.

“That shortfall would then need to be covered through higher subsidies from Council, funded by all ratepayers. This includes residents who do not use the Pool at all.”

The report also warns that any discount for residents who can “pay upfront” for long term membership deals would be unfair.

“Such a discount also favours those with greater capacity to pay, presenting a [further] inequity,” the report states.

A six-month pass is proposed at $650 (Adults) and $520 (Children 3-15 years).

Under the plan, Learn-to-swim lessons will be $24 per child for standard programs, with discounted rates for second and subsequent children, while adult learn-to-swim classes would be priced at $36 per session. Premium fitness offerings such as Reformer Pilates would be priced at $45 per casual visit.

Council is expected to place the draft fees and charges on public exhibition for 28 days, with a further report to return to councillors following consultation – ahead of final adoption.