We, the Council and not an individual Councillor or staff, have collectively and unanimously decided to build a 25m pool along with the other facilities at Mackay Park which were included in the Mayor's media release. This media release came following Federal Labor's Gilmore candidate Fiona Phillips own media release supporting Council's decision to build a 25m pool. If Ms Phillips didn't support Council, or Council's decision above, I am sure her election promise would not have been forthcoming or would have had conditions.
As the Council decision still stands, a consultation process was held with the community specifically on design options, floor plans, including a 25m pool, one building or two etc which was also unanimously supported by Councillors.
I attended the public consultation on three separate occasions in Batemans Bay and spoke to numerous community members on the process and options, who understood what was occurring. This opportunity to hear directly from the community across a number of dates and locations was afforded to every Councillor to accept. Whether accepted or not, that is a decision that can be questioned of the relative Councillor or Councillors.
The consultation process was never intended to seek input on a 50m pool or revisit a decision already made by Councillors and enacted by staff. This was clearly articulated in our advertising of the consultation opportunities available. Therefore to complain about the process and criticise not discussing a 50m pool is to falsely state what Council has publicly and continually stated and those I spoke to fully understand the journey so far.
Those who are agitating and advocating for a 50m pool should and must accept that "train has left the station". I encourage those same folk to engage positively on ensuring the design including the components mentioned in Council's advertising meets the communities expectation utilising the grant funds available and ensuring fiscal responsibility. signed Lindsay Brown (on request this is not a media release and is an individuals comment)
