A Bega Valley Shire Council draft Aquatic’s Facilities’ Review – deciding the fate of the Eden pool – closed on Monday after being on public exhibition for over a month.
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As the review closed for public feedback, Eden swimming club president Melina Caldwell – mother of swimming champion Georgia Caldwell – called on council to recognise the membership growth of the club, and undertake vitally needed upgrades before considering closure.
“The club is by far the largest and most competitive on the Far South Coast,” Ms Caldwell said on Monday.
“Each year we have many keen swimmers come along, but the water is too cold for them. The pool has a heating fund and is actively seeking grants for pool covers and heat pumps. We are keen to work with the council to rectify this problem.”
This review will inform an Aquatics Strategy for the future provision of pools in the Bega Valley Shire, to be finalised after the council election.
BVSC manager of leisure and recreation John Grady said the future of Eden pool is largely contingent on its patronage, which has dropped since the council took over management in 2013.
“Everyone pays for pools whether you use them or you don’t, so we need to see that they are providing good value to the wider community,” Mr Grady said on Monday.
“If they are well patronised and presenting good value to the broader community, it’s an easy decision.”
Swimming coach John Pelling operated the pool as a contractor for 31 years - from the time it was built in 1979 until 2013 - and believes the biggest loss to the pool was the regular patronage by the Eden Marine High School.
“They were pretty much there all day every day,” Mr Pelling said. “They used it for PE, sport, water polo...all sort of activities.”
Mr Pelling isn’t sure why Eden Marine High School ceased patronage, but thought it might be associated with changed opening hours.
EMHS declined to comment.
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