sdy pools are iconic Sydney landmarks that offer the best of both worlds – a stunning natural setting, and all the facilities of a modern swimming pool. These include water slides, a cafe, an arcade and changing rooms. Some also have a diving platform and a sandy beach.

These beaches and bathing areas were once a vital part of Sydney’s urban life, but the city council has cut back on maintenance and public funding over recent years. This has led to overcrowded conditions and long queues. Many families have had to wait for hours to swim. Others have had to leave pools because they don’t have the correct swimwear.

Sydney pools are a favourite with swimmers and beachgoers alike, but they haven’t always been a popular destination for kids. They were first opened in 1912, but it was only a decade later that a new wave of interest began with the construction of several more public pools around the city. In the decades that followed, Sydney’s pool scene continued to grow.

By the early 2000s, more than 200 indoor and outdoor pools were open to the general public, many of them with splash zones and waterslides. However, the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions and an increase in the number of pools with restricted access to lap swimmers made it harder for families to take their children swimming.

During the current mayoral election campaign, Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore has promised to reopen harbour pools at Pyrmont, Elizabeth Bay, Barangaroo, Rushcutters Bay and Glebe foreshore. The plan has riled some of her opponents, with former lord mayor and first Aboriginal lord mayor Yvonne Weldon describing it as elitist.

The city’s pool-builders have come under fire for their shoddy workmanship and untimely completion of projects. In 2021, it took longer than expected to complete the North Sydney Pool. The Covid pandemic, a La Nina and the removal of hazardous materials all ate into construction days, with the project’s budget eventually exceeding $100m.

In the past, there have been allegations of corruption, including bribery and payoffs. The City of Sydney has introduced a code of conduct for its contractors, but this is not enough to protect the safety of children and adults using the city’s public pools. This is why we need a public inquiry to investigate the claims of misconduct by councillors and staff in the management and maintenance of these facilities. The inquiry should report on whether there are any underlying cultural and structural issues that may be causing the problem. It should also report on the cost and benefits of a range of solutions to these problems. It should also include recommendations on how to improve the management and operation of the city’s pools. This is an important and necessary public inquiry. We need your support to ensure that it goes ahead. Please donate now.