The “Save Bomaderry Pool” campaign sent a loud message to decision makers, with four hundred community members turning out to a public meeting at Bomaderry on Wednesday, February 22.
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A number of compelling arguments were made in favour of keeping the outdoor 50 metre pool, which is set to be demolished when the Bomaderry aquatic centre including an indoor 25 metre pool, hydrotherapy pool and splash area is complete.
“Everybody got up and rubbished the idea of taking our pool away,” community member John Bracher said.
“One of the kids got up and said, ‘do you think if we took away half of a footy field away we’d be happy’?”
Steve Johansson a local architect and pool design expert “drove a truck through council’s report” according to meeting convener Kiama MP Gareth Ward.
“I do assessments on pools all around state, and have refurbished many old country town pools,” Mr Johansson said.
“I would be surprised if it (the pool) was past it.
“It’s very level, it does not leak water, that’s usually the first warning sign.”
He said if space was a concern for council they could condense the design and explore the option of building a gymnasium on the top floor.
Cr Nina Cheyne was the only person to speak in favour of removing the pool, and at the end of the meeting, approached Mr Johannson, said his speech had been informative, and thanked him for what he had said.
Of many voices represented at the meeting, Shoalhaven City Council was silent.
“I gave council the opportunity to present, they declined,” Mr Ward said.
“And the man who wrote the report (Craig Milburn), has now left council.
“They've gotta take another look at it.
“You can’t raise rates and cut services.”