{
  "id": 9463312,
  "title": "Public pool at centre of fight to change 'appalling' disaster policy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/public-pool-at-centre-of-fight-to-change-appalling-disaster-policy",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-24T01:33:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-24/wingham-pool-at-centre-of-fight-to-change-policy/107170536"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Wingham's sole public pool has been closed since catastrophic floods ravaged the region last year. After a 16-month effort, the Prime Minister recently announced $15 million in grants for the pool's reconstruction. A newly formed local council taskforce met for the first time to discuss potential adjustments to disaster funding models, aiming to have the Wingham Memorial Pool rebuilt next year. Recently, Wingham residents feared the loss of their only public pool due to escalating maintenance costs and declining usage. The flood in May 2025 caused severe structural damage, with 700 millimetres of rain falling on Wingham and Taree. The community felt the emotional impact of the pool's destruction, with residents noting its absence dampened the local mood. Residents like Bob Clarke, who swam four times a week while the pool was open, highlighted the health consequences of the closure for the elderly. Kate Spriggs, whose father campaigned for the community-funded pool in the 1960s, expressed concern over the loss of swimming lessons for families unable to travel to Taree. According to a 2025 Royal Life Saving Australia report, Australian children's swimming skills have declined, with half of year 6 students unable to swim 50 metres or tread water for two minutes. A 2024 study found pools vital for community connections and improved health and wellbeing. The community's campaign led to a 16-month fight for funding, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently approved. However, the pool was initially not eligible for disaster funding due to its classification as non-essential public infrastructure. Council Cr Pontin criticized the policy, emphasizing its appalling nature. Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain acknowledged the issue and stated that feedback from councils would be considered. She mentioned the development of new local government taskforce discussions and a new support package for councils in response to natural disaster frequency and severity. The council aims to streamline the process, addressing audit requirements for both state and federal governments to expedite funding access for essential public assets like the Wingham Memorial Pool. The pool may reopen by December 2027.",
  "summary": "A disaster-hit council on the NSW Mid North Coast wants changes to how infrastructure damage is assessed, after a battle to fix the town's only public pool.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}