More than eight questions relating to the Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool were asked at the East Gippsland Shire Council meeting last week.
Many questions were asked by members of the newly formed Save the Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool Action Group.
Some people are concerned about the outdoor pool audit and the cost of works required to keep the pool open.
Long-time pool user Anne Cross said she was concerned council was unaware that the current facilities had reached capacity. She said at peak times the indoor pool was at capacity.
She asked what strategies had been put in place for the indoor pool given it was often at capacity and the decision to no longer maintain the outdoor pool had been made
10 years ago.
Place and Community general manager Chris Stephenson disagreed that the indoor pool was at capacity. He said there had been discussions with some pool users, including the East Gippsland Water Dragons and local athletes about using facilities elsewhere.
In reply to questions from the public, Mr Stephenson said there would be opportunities for the community to be informed of ongoing timelines in relation to outdoor pool works and reports.
He said that would occur after councillors were informed and would not include information that was considered commercial in confidence.
In reply to another question, Mr Stephenson said in the past the outdoor pool had “scored quite low from a health and
safety perspective.”
Speaking after the council meeting, Ms
Cross said she was concerned the audit of works would not be carried out
independently of council.
She said council had been aware for 10 years that the pool would decline and be closed and had done nothing about alternatives.
“Just today (Monday) there were 40 people at water aerobics, the small pool was full
and people were lap swimming. The indoor pool is definitely at capacity at peak times,” she said.
“If the outdoor pool closes that is the only pool we have left.”
“It seems to us that there has always been a plan for the pool (outdoor) to be decommissioned and closed without any consultation.
“Since this has become public knowledge there has been a huge shift on council and we have to work with that momentum.”
Apart from the usual summer usage, Ms Cross said she was concerned local primary and secondary schools would have nowhere to conduct annual swimming carnivals.
“There is talk the students could be bussed to Sale, but how will that work?” she asked.
Apart from the cost, there is also the consideration of travelling time and less time spent competing, she said.
Ms Cross said one of the key objectives for the action group was to keep the pool open, while advocating for a new outdoor 50 metre pool complex.
The outdoor pool is nearing the end of its functional life and the aquatic
recreation centre is at its capacity, Ms Cross emphasised.
