Clausen pledges permanent $2 pool entry if elected Newcastle Lord Mayor

newy.com.au – Labor’s candidate for Lord Mayor, Cr Declan Clausen, has pledged to make Newcastle’s $2 pool entry trial permanent if elected, extending discounted access to the city’s public pools.

Cr Clausen said he had backed the $2 entry trial for Wallsend, Beresfield, Mayfield and Stockton pools during the 2025-26 swimming season to ease cost-of-living pressures and improve access to local facilities.

Initial results from the trial showed strong community use, with more than 128,000 visits recorded across the four pools in the first three months of the season, including 50,000 visits in December alone.

“Public pools are one of the great community assets in our suburbs,” Cr Clausen said.

“They are places where families gather, kids learn lifesaving learn-to-swim skills and residents can stay active and cool off during hot weather.

“The $2 trial has shown that when we lower the cost barrier, more people use their local pool.”

Cr Clausen said that, if elected, he would make the $2 entry policy permanent and expand cheaper access to Lambton Pool.

“I know families are doing it tough right now,” he said.

“This is a simple, practical step that makes a real difference to household budgets while supporting community health and participation.”

He said the trial showed councils could respond to cost-of-living pressures with practical measures.

“Local government can’t solve every cost-of-living challenge, but we can make sure the services we provide remain affordable and accessible,” Cr Clausen said.

“That’s the approach I will continue to take if elected Lord Mayor of Newcastle.”

Cr Clausen, an engineer and Newcastle councillor for 11 years, including seven as Deputy Lord Mayor, said his campaign would focus on practical improvements for local residents.

“This is about real action and real results for our community,” he said.

The Newcastle Lord Mayoral by-election will be held on 18 April 2026.