A council in Sydney’s west has received backlash over its recently announced entry prices for a local swimming pool, with a six-month pass setting families back almost $1,000.
Campbelltown Billabong Parklands opened last year, offering two oasis-style pools and a splash area in a spacious parkland setting. But while the billabong’s first year remained free for visitors, from October 1, a new ticketing system will be introduced.
Campbelltown City Council currently runs the pools with two seasons – a peak summer period that will require a purchased ticket from October to March, and an off-peak winter period that will remain free for guests from April to September.
The price of the summer tickets – particularly the season passes – left the community in shock on social media this week.
The splash area is great for younger children. Source: Campbelltown Billabong Parklands/Campbelltown City Council
A season pass for a single adult is priced at $389, while a day ticket is $8.10.
A season pass for a family of four is $949, while a family day ticket is $22.80.
Horrified locals pointed out that season passes at larger water parks like Jamberoo and Raging Waters were cheaper, slamming the prices as “ridiculous”.
For an adult to get their money’s worth on a season pass, they would have to visit the billabong more than 48 times in a season.
“Nearly a grand for a six month family pass? Council should be ashamed of themselves,” one woman wrote.
“FREE for the first year then RIDICULOUS prices forever,” another said.
“How does any of that season pricing make sense? You have to visit 48 times just to break even!” a man added.
Others called it a “rip off” and a “waste of money”.
Other gripes include the lack of shade at the park and the fact that there is no shop or cafe to buy food or water. There are shelters that can be hired for $80 for three hours, or $150 for a full day.
The new prices to the pools, which will be introduced on October 1, have rubbed locals the wrong way. Source: Campbelltown Billabong Parklands/Campbelltown City Council
Council says season pass is ‘great value’
A spokesperson for Campbelltown City Council told Yahoo News the season passes contain more value than meets the eye, as they also provide entry to Gordon Fetterplace Aquatic Centre, Eagle Vale Central and Macquarie Fields Leisure Centre.
“The Family Season Pass delivers great value for regular visitors, allowing families of four to save up to $309 over a six-month period (compared with purchasing individually) and access to a range of facilities, each with a unique offering,” the spokesperson said.
They added that their facilities are open almost every day during their summer period, unlike Jamberoo (which is closed Monday to Thursday during school terms) and Raging Waters (which opens for weekends only from November 1 to April 6. The only month where the park opens daily is January).
“Entry fees support the ongoing operation, maintenance and programs at this high-quality facility,” the spokesperson said.
“As part of our annual planning process, our fees and charges are placed on public exhibition, and the community are invited to share their feedback through this process.”
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.