Residents concerned by the lack of a 50-metre pool in Batemans Bay’s future are urged to pack the gallery at Council’s next meeting with a towel draped over their shoulder or swim goggles on their head.
The call-to-action is one of a series planned over summer by supporters of a 50-metre pool.
Spokesperson Maureen Searson, said a wide and diverse group of people believed that based on the towns size, location and population growth projections, a 50-metre pool is more than warranted in Batemans Bay.
“The majority of people expect a 50-metre pool in Batemans Bay as a matter of good government and future planning. Swimming NSW, Batemans Bay Swimming Club, the schools, sporting groups, the CWA, the Soldiers Club and numerous others have made that clear. The twenty-year fight has always been to replace fifty with fifty. When people find out the town will be left without a 50-metre pool, they are incredulous.”
Ms Searson said there are growing concerns about the way Council is managing the Shires aquatic facilities.
“How do you spend a multi-million dollar sporting grant and not replace the sporting capacity we already have? To say there is no money for 50 metre capacity, while at the same time planning to develop Narooma pool as the Shires ‘premiere’ 50-metre lap swimming facility makes no sense. Who is it for? It won’t service the Shires major population centre – Ulladulla’s 50 metre pool is much closer. This feels more like politics than representative government to a lot of people.”
Ms Searson said wearing a colourful towel over your shoulder, or swim goggles on your head, was a simple and clear way to send a message from the gallery to the Councillors .
“We don’t always all get the opportunity to speak at Council. Here is a chance to let everyone present know exactly what’s on your mind without having to speak a single word.”
The groups will also present to Council petitions calling for 50-metre capacity to be kept in Batemans Bay.
Eurobodalla Shire Council’s last meeting of 2017 is at 9:30 a.m. on 12th December, at the Council Chambers in Moruya. Any member of the public can attend.
If you wish to make a personal presentation at the meeting, you need to register with council on 4474 1000 by 12 noon on Monday 11th December. Media Release from Pack The Pool
“Stay positive and united” was the advice given by Kathy Arthur, Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) Director Community Arts and Recreation, at the recent meeting of the Batemans Bay Indoor Aquatic Centre Committee (BBIAC). BBIAC Media release
Above: One of the great performances by Australian actor Peter Finch
