Hume council will bear the full cost of the Sunbury pool works, following confirmation the insurer denied its claim.
The announcement comes following a shocking year of setbacks for the pool in 2023, after a leak was discovered on May 12. At a meeting in October, council said the repair and improvement bill totalled $1.148 million.
In response to questions from the Star Weekly, a Hume council spokesperson said council does not typically make public comments on the outcome of insurance claims.
“Council lodged a claim in May, 2023, for costs associated with repairs to the indoor 25 [metre] pool. A specific amount was not included in the claim,” the spokesperson said.
“The insurer (Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance) provided advice that the claim was denied as the leak was likely caused by gradual deterioration and normal ground movements (which was not covered by the policy).
“Whilst the pool was closed, council took the opportunity to undertake additional improvement works which is a positive for the community.”
Much like the repair timeline, the cost to fix the pool quickly blew out last year.
Council commenced repairs on May 22, 2023, and initially said it expected the pool to be closed for two weeks, with an estimated repair cost of $45,000.
The pool eventually reopened on January 15, 2024, with the repair and associated works costing $525,550.
In speaking about the works last year, council said it took the opportunity to complete additional and scheduled improvements costings $622,044.
Zoe Moffatt
