Councillors approved a recommendation at the last ordinary meeting to transfer the running of Brown Hill Pool back to the City of Ballarat.

The Brown Hill Progress Association (BHPA), which ran the facility, was formed in 2003 as the community moved to thwart plans to close the pool.

It has operated the pool for the past 14 years. In those years, it has successfully boosted attendance, and developed a busy social and events calendar. It is known as one of the most popular pools of its size in the area.

However, earlier this year the group made the call they could no longer run the pool due to increasing red tape.

Brendan Stevens, the BHPA secretary, said that mounting compliance regulations had been placing too much of a burden on the group. He said public liability insurance had gone up much faster than inflation, and that it was becoming harder to keep track of safety legislation.

He told The Courier there had been a lot of discussion about whether to keep running the facility, and some sadness about the decision to hand back control.

However, he said that "fell away" when the group learned they would be able to continue organising activities - including Zumba, barbecues and other events - when the pool is eventually allowed to open.

He said: "That's what we're really good at - doing stuff that people enjoy. There will time for a bit more social stuff now we are not looking after the lifeguards."

"It's been hard work, but it's been really good, there is a really strong community feel.

"There's been a huge haul of volunteers there. Kids have grown up there - they've come as toddlers, then later they've been lifeguards. "

He said the story of the pool's rescue was a terrific community story - and that the group were delighted to still be involved.

Since they took over the running of the pool, the numbers using the facilities have grown steadily, with attendance significantly higher than other pools in the area of a similar size.

Mr Stevens said they had been very well supported by council over the years.

On Wednesday evening, several councillors paid tribute to the work of the volunteers and their community focus.

The group had received $39,000 of council funding each year to operate the pool.

If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thankyou very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.