Proposed Seasonal Dry Zone within the pool’s fenced area

The newly redeveloped Tusmore Wading Pool’s first full season was hugely successful with the popularity of this destination seeing many more families visiting from our City and from across the Adelaide metropolitan area.

The pool is now fully fenced during the swimming season. Parents or guardians are required to supervise their children or toddlers using the pool from within this fenced area.

During the 2022/23 season, safety issues were witnessed and experienced by both neighbouring residents and Council staff.

The issues of greatest concern were the need for adequate parental supervison of children and toddlers and the risk of broken glass.

Unfortunately, on at least two occasions glass from alcohol bottles was found in the pool. Glass at the bottom of the pool can be difficult to see and is a safety risk for the children and toddlers using the pool. Removing the glass requires that the pool is immediately closed to visitors for 48 hours, to be drained, cleaned, refilled and chemically treated to achieve the correct water quality for use.

Closing the pool to clean out the glass is an inconvenience for visitors who are joining friends and family for a picnic and a ‘paddle’, often travelling from across the Adelaide metropolitan area, to find the pool suddenly closed.

Currently, Council has limited powers to manage alcohol consumption in open spaces, with the exception being between 9 pm and 9 am as per Council’s Bylaw 3 - Local Government Land.

What is proposed?

Council is proposing to implement a seasonal dry zone to prevent alcohol consumption within the fenced area of the pool.

If supported by the community, a 24/7 dry zone would be imposed during each swimming season (approx. October to April), within the fenced section of the pool. The zone would be enforced by SA Police.

What happens next?

Council will also seek letters of support for the proposal from the local SA Member of Parliament and SA Police.

If the proposal is supported by the community, Council will apply to the Commissioner for Liquor Licensing for a seasonal dry zone to be declared.

The seasonal dry zone, if supported, is planned to be in place for the 2023/24 pool season.