What started as a promise of free community swimming has turned into Sydney's most expensive pool controversy, leaving families facing nearly $1,000 for a six-month pass to what was once touted as a free facility.
Campbelltown Billabong Parklands officially opened to the community on 8 June this year, after years of delays and cost blowouts.
But from 1 October, visitors who've been swimming for free will need to pay $8.10 for adults, $5.40 for children and concessions, and $22.80 for families.
It's the six-month family pass price that's causing the biggest splash of anger. At $949 for a family, it's more expensive than many annual gym memberships—and that's just for half a year of swimming.
The promise that couldn't hold water
One of the best things about Campbelltown Billabong Parklands was that entry was FREE—all you needed to do was go online to register for your ticket.
This promise was repeatedly made to the community as the project developed, creating expectations that would later prove unsustainable.
But behind the scenes, a financial storm was brewing. The Billabong Parklands started out as a $16 million project, but its cost skyrocketed to more than $40 million. When additional drainage works and government contributions were factored in, the total cost pushed even higher.
'The original plan cost a little over $18 million'
It will cost ratepayers more than $2 million a year to operate the Billabong, according to council documents. With annual operating costs forecast to be around $2.8 million, council will seek to recoup around 68 percent of that by charging entry fees.
How expensive is too expensive?
To put Campbelltown's fees in perspective, they're not the highest in NSW, but they're certainly steep. In Kyogle, adults pay $4 and pensioners $3, with a family season pass costing $242 for concession holders.
Cumberland Council charges $5.30 for concession holders, and offers free entry for local pensioner and senior card holders every Tuesday and Thursday.
The Campbelltown pricing structure means a family wanting year-round access would pay nearly $1,900 for two six-month passes—equivalent to the annual operating costs of maintaining a private pool.
Daily entry fees at Campbelltown Billabong
Adult: $8.10
Child/Concession: $5.40
Family (2 adults + 2 children): $22.80
Extra child: $3.60
Six-month passes:
Adult: $389
Child/Concession: $240
Family: $949
The reality of running a public pool
According to industry data, Australians typically spend between $600 and $1,500 per year maintaining private pools.
For a large public facility like the Billabong, with its lagoon-style pools, water play areas, and capacity for the 60,000 people who have visited since opening, the costs multiply exponentially.
Council justified the charges as necessary for sustainable funding to maintain, operate and enhance the park's facilities, with costs peaking during the warmer months when the main water body is open.
The facility includes extensive infrastructure: a recreational pool with depths up to 1.8 metres, accessible features including ramps, aquatic wheelchair, and pool hoist, plus ongoing lifeguard services.
Community backlash heats up
The announcement sparked fierce community reaction, with social media comments reflecting widespread anger. 'Campbelltown residents already paid their fair share for the billabong resident should not be charged a thing it's ridiculous', wrote one resident.
Others questioned the timing and lack of gradual introduction: 'From being free to charging this ... couldn't even start a bit smaller,' while another commented that it's 'not worth paying for it' and should be 'free for locals seeing we paid for it with our rates.'
Why families are particularly upset
- The facility was promised as free during development
- Ratepayers already contributed through rates and land sales
- Cost blowouts weren't transparently communicated
- No gradual fee introduction was offered
- Alternative free cooling options in Campbelltown are limited
Better value during the cooler months
There is some relief for budget-conscious families. The facility will remain free from April to September, during the cooler months when operational and maintenance costs are lower. This means seniors and families can still enjoy the splash play areas and amenities without charge for half the year.
The interactive splash play area remains open year-round, operating weekdays 10am-4pm and weekends 10am-5pm during winter—potentially offering free family fun even in the off-season.
What this means for seniors
For seniors on fixed incomes, these fees represent a significant expense. However, the $5.40 concession rate does offer some relief, and pensioner and senior card holders should qualify for this discount.
Some councils like Cumberland offer free entry for senior card holders on designated days, suggesting there may be room for Campbelltown Council to consider similar concessions in future.
Looking for alternatives
While the controversy continues, practical families are already planning alternatives. The free access during April to September means strategic timing can cut costs in half. Some families are considering sharing season passes or coordinating group visits to maximise the family pass value.
For those willing to travel, other council pools across Sydney offer more affordable options, though petrol costs may offset the savings.
What This Means For You
The controversy reflects a broader challenge facing local governments: balancing community expectations with the reality of maintaining expensive public infrastructure. As councils face increasing pressure on budgets, the days of completely free public facilities may be numbered.
What do you think about councils charging for facilities that were previously free? Have you found creative ways to manage rising recreation costs in your area? Share your thoughts and local money-saving tips with the community below.
Original Article
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...tml?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
Billabong free entry days coming to an end
Cited text: Campbelltown Billabong Parklands was officially opened to the community on June 8 this year, by the then mayor, George Greiss.
Excerpt: Campbelltown Billabong Parklands officially opened to the community on June 8 this year, after years of delays and cost blowouts
https://southwestvoice.com.au/billabong-free-entry-end/
Drum roll: Campbelltown Billabong to finally open, on June 8
Cited text: Getting the controversial Campbelltown Billabong Parklands project completed has not been an easy journey, Mayor George Greiss admitted during Tuesday...
Excerpt: Campbelltown Billabong Parklands officially opened to the community on June 8 this year, after years of delays and cost blowouts
https://southwestvoice.com.au/campbelltown-billabong-open-june-8/
Billabong free entry days coming to an end
Cited text: From October 1, 2025, adults will pay $8.10 each, children $5.40 each, and a family of two adults and two children $22.80 to enter the facility at Bra...
Excerpt: $8.10 for adults, $5.40 for children and concessions, and $22.80 for families
https://southwestvoice.com.au/billabong-free-entry-end/
Billabong free entry days coming to an end
Cited text: Annual operating cost of the facility is forecast to be around $2.8 million, and council will seek to recoup around 68 percent of that by charging ent...
Excerpt: $949 for a family
https://southwestvoice.com.au/billabong-free-entry-end/
Campbelltown Billabong Parklands—Sydney Weekender
Cited text: One of the best things about Campbelltown Billabong Parklands is that entry is FREE—all you need to do is go online to register for your ticket and ...
Excerpt: One of the best things about Campbelltown Billabong Parklands was that entry was FREE—all you needed to do was go online to register for your ticket
https://sydneyweekender.com.au/campbelltown-billabong/
New park in Campbelltown skyrockets to eye-watering $40 MILLION
Cited text: The Billabong Parklands in Campbelltown started out as a $16 million project, but its cost has now skyrocketed to $40 million in just a few years.
Excerpt: The Billabong Parklands started out as a $16 million project, but its cost skyrocketed to more than $40 million
https://www.2gb.com/new-park-in-campbelltown-skyrockets-to-eye-watering-40-million/
Drum roll: Campbelltown Billabong to finally open, on June 8
Cited text: When more than $8 million was also spent on related drainage works, and another $4 million from the NSW Government coffers, the total cost jumped to m...
Excerpt: The Billabong Parklands started out as a $16 million project, but its cost skyrocketed to more than $40 million
https://southwestvoice.com.au/campbelltown-billabong-open-june-8/
Billabong Q&A on council reveals water park will now cost $42m
Cited text: It will cost ratepayers more than $2 million a year to operate the Billabong; Another $2 million will be needed from the budget every year for six yea...
Excerpt: It will cost ratepayers more than $2 million a year to operate the Billabong
https://southwestvoice.com.au/billabong-qa/
Swimming Pool Opening Hours & Admission Prices—Kyogle Council
Cited text: WOODENBONG POOL CLOSED FOR THE ... 2025 (TBA) Opening hours · Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays—2-6pm · Thurs...
Excerpt: In Kyogle, adults pay $4 and pensioners $3, with a family season pass costing $242 for concession holders
https://www.kyogle.nsw.gov.au/recre...swimming-pool-opening-hours-admission-prices/
Swim Centre Fees and Charges | Cumberland City Council
Cited text: ... Casual Swim—Concession: Children (under 16 years), Students, Club Members, Pensioners and Seniors Card Holders $5.30—every Tuesday and Thursda...
Excerpt: Cumberland Council charges $5.30 for concession holders, and offers free entry for local pensioner and senior card holders every Tuesday and Thursday
https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/swim-centre-fees-and-charges
How Much Does It Cost To Maintain A Pool In Australia? - 2024 Update
Cited text: According to HiPages, Australians spend about $600 to $1500 or more on pool maintenance per year.
Excerpt: According to industry data, Australians typically spend between $600 and $1,500 per year maintaining private pools
https://gibsonfamilypools.com.au/how-much-does-it-cost-to-maintain-a-pool-in-australia/
How Much Does Pool Maintenance Cost? 2024 Cost Guide | Service.com.au
Cited text: Most Australians spend between $600 and $1,500 a year on pool maintenance costs.
Excerpt: According to industry data, Australians typically spend between $600 and $1,500 per year maintaining private pools
https://www.service.com.au/articles/swimming-pools/how-much-does-pool-maintenance-cost
How Much Does Pool Maintenance Cost? 2024 Cost Guide | Service.com.au
Cited text: While pool maintenance costs vary depending on your size and type of pool (among other factors), most Australians spend between $600 and $1,500 a year...
Excerpt: According to industry data, Australians typically spend between $600 and $1,500 per year maintaining private pools
https://www.service.com.au/articles/swimming-pools/how-much-does-pool-maintenance-cost
Billabong free entry days coming to an end
Cited text: Since its opening the venue has welcomed more than 60,000 people.
Excerpt: capacity for the 60,000 people who have visited since opening
https://southwestvoice.com.au/billabong-free-entry-end/
Billabong free entry days coming to an end
Cited text: “As the demand for the park service’s increases, so will the need for a sustainable funding mechanism to maintain, operate and enhance the park’s faci...
Excerpt: Council justified the charges as necessary for sustainable funding to maintain, operate and enhance the park's facilities, with costs peaking during the warmer months when the main water body is open
https://southwestvoice.com.au/billabong-free-entry-end/
Billabong free entry days coming to an end
Cited text: “The use of the parklands all year round by the community is vital, and to ensure visitation during the colder months it is proposed that the entry ch...
Excerpt: Council justified the charges as necessary for sustainable funding to maintain, operate and enhance the park's facilities, with costs peaking during the warmer months when the main water body is open
https://southwestvoice.com.au/billabong-free-entry-end/
Campbelltown Billabong Parklands | Sydney, Australia—Official Travel & Accommodation Website
Cited text: In the large recreational pool, the depth goes to 1.8m.
Excerpt: a recreational pool with depths up to 1.8 metres
https://www.sydney.com/destinations.../attractions/campbelltown-billabong-parklands
Campbelltown Billabong Parklands | Sydney, Australia—Official Travel & Accommodation Website
Cited text: The Park is accessible with ramp access to the site and pools, Aquatic Wheelchair, pool hoist and changerooms.
Excerpt: accessible features including ramps, aquatic wheelchair, and pool hoist
https://www.sydney.com/destinations.../attractions/campbelltown-billabong-parklands
Billabong free entry days coming to an end
Cited text: Campbelltown residents already paid there fair share for the billabong resident should not be charged a thing it’s ridiculous Reply · I hope that seni...
Excerpt: 'Campbelltown residents already paid their fair share for the billabong resident should not be charged a thing it's ridiculous'
https://southwestvoice.com.au/billabong-free-entry-end/
Campbelltown Billabong Parklands review—Have Wheelchair Will Travel
Cited text: The interactive splash play area is open all year. In winter the splash park (for the brave) is open weekdays 10am-4pm and on weekends 10am-5pm.
Excerpt: The interactive splash play area remains open year-round, operating weekdays 10am-4pm and weekends 10am-5pm during winter
https://havewheelchairwilltravel.net/campbelltown-billabong-parklands-review/
Seniors Discount Club
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