Synchronise swimming
COMMUNITIES wishing to save their pools should form friends groups and work with the pool operators, the YMCA.
That was the advice given by South Gippsland Shire Councillor Lorraine Brunt last Wednesday night.
She was speaking after receiving a petition with 1900 signatures, calling on council to change pool opening times, resume temperature evaluation to the day of opening and reinstate the 24ºC minimum opening temperature.
“We request that council fulfil its aquatic strategic plan commitment to work in partnership with the community to actively promote pools in the shire, and develop a range of programs and activities that increase utilisation,” the petition prayer stated.
The petition was submitted to council last Wednesday night by Lucy Evangelista, Cate Minchin and Danielle Fowles, on behalf of the Save our Pools Korumburra, Poowong, Foster and Mirboo North Committee.
“We want to save the pools for our children,” Mrs Minchin said.
Cr Brunt said friends groups could run events to raise extra money towards pool expenses.
She said the minimum pool opening temperature was set for now.
“Anything that we change in a tender document is going to cost council money,” she said.
Council’s director of community services Jan Martin said council has tried to make concessions.
“Our intention is to brief council on the feedback from the community so that council can make a decision about whether to retain the 26ºC minimum opening temperature,” she said.
Sally Munn of Mirboo North told The Star the pool was vital to the town.
“The town is a very close community town. The pool is the community hub. It’s a beautiful setting. To have that removed, it would be an absolute tragedy for the town and the community,” she said.
“There’s nothing else like it around here. It’s a beautiful space.”
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