Cook Government announces free public pool trial for kids in shires of Carnarvon, Exmouth, Coorow and Morawa

Free entry for children and young people to certain Mid West and Gascoyne public pools is being trialled by the Cook Government.

The pilot program is sure to make a splash and help families who are dealing with cost-of-living pressures as well as extreme summer temperatures.

Eligible children and young people can access their local swimming pool with a free seasonal pass in the shires of Carnarvon, Exmouth, Coorow and Morawa.

They are part of 15 local government authorities across four regions that will participate in the pilot project.

Eligibility for the vouchers is aligned with the KidSport Voucher Program, which was expanded by the Cook Government in August 2023 to include children in care, asylum seekers and refugees. Like the voucher program, the pool pilot is open to those eligible aged 5-18 years.

The pilot will benefit up to 500 eligible children and young people, provide further cost-of-living relief, and enable the State Government to consider the outcomes of the pilot for a potential Statewide roll-out in the future.

Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman said: “All children and young people should have the opportunity to swim, especially across the summer months, but cost-of-living pressure can mean pool entry costs prohibit families from cooling off at the local pool.”

“The regions being targeted experience high temperatures, which means this pilot will provide a good snapshot of community interest and uptake, and overall the trial will identify any potential implementation issues for the local governments.”

For more information, visit the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries website at dlgsc.wa.gov.au/funding/sport-and-recreation-funding/kidsport/kidsport-regional-pools-pilot-program