Scorching summers in the far-west and northwest of the state will be more bearable with access to well-maintained municipal swimming pools, with new money recently announced for major upgrades to local facilities.

The State Government has committed a total $1.35 million for crucial works to facilities at Wilcannia, Menindee, Ivanhoe, White Cliffs and Brewarrina. This will include repainting as well as new shade, new seating, pool accessibility improvements, plus new CCTV systems.

Brewarrina pool will also receive new perimeter fencing, footpaths, irrigation systems, retiling of the pool exterior, and upgrades to the pool’s filtration plant.

Change rooms at Ivanhoe and Wilcannia pools will be refurbished and upgraded as well, while the footpaths and exterior at Ivanhoe and Menindee pools will be repaired, State Member for Barwon Roy Butler revealed.

"In Barwon, local pools are more than just a place to cool off; they are community hubs, providing social connection, employment, recreational opportunities, and mental and physical health benefits,” Mr Butler argued.

“They play a critical role in mitigating drownings in inland waterways through 'Learn to Swim' and water safety programs,” he added.

The projects are designed to ensure that local families have access to healthy recreational activities and that facilities keep up with local needs with traditional barriers to participation being overcome, Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said.

“Each one of these projects will deliver tangible outcomes for our local sporting communities, whilst also encouraging participation,” Mr Kamper believes.

“Importantly, it improves access, safety and amenity at these vital community assets; this funding supports the needs of remote communities in north-west and far-west, ensuring residents can safely swim at their local pool,” he added.

The work is being funded by the NSW Government’s Project Support Program which supports improved access and participation for under-represented groups.