Mayor refutes Councillor Turland’s pool suggestions
Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Councillor Ken Halstead has today responded to statements made by Councillor Garry Turland and reported in some sections of the media regarding the future of the Shire’s public pools.
“While Councillor Turland is entitled to his opinion on the direction and future use of the Shire’s swimming pools, his statements are not supported by Council,” the Mayor said.
“He does not speak on behalf of his fellow councillors.
“I reassure residents that there has been absolutely no discussion about closing either Bowral or Bundanoon pools.”
“I find it interesting that his comments come at the same time that Councillor Turland himself put forward a Notion of Motion at last week’s Council Meeting requesting an information session be held to discuss the Shire’s overarching public pool strategy,” the Mayor said.
This Notice of Motion to review Council’s Pool Strategy was subsequently passed by Council and will include a report back to Councillors.
A review of the strategy for the Shire’s pools was already a part of the planned work for the 2017/18 year. A key focus of this review will involve the future maintenance and renewal requirements for all pools.
“If Councillor Turland is genuinely interested in the future viability of the Shire’s public pools I would have assumed he would have waited until staff had delivered their report,” the Mayor added.
“In the interim I can confirm that Council is committed to repairing and reopening Mittagong Swimming Pool in its current location as soon as possible.”
Mittagong Swimming Pool was closed following serious damage sustained during last year’s East Coast Low Storm event in June.
Following extensive tests and technical assessments, tenders to repair the pool were advertised earlier in the year with the successful contractor expected to be engaged in June.
“I would argue that Mittagong Pool is not only one of our Shire’s most popular swimming pools but one of the most picturesque in the State,” the Mayor said. “It remains a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike.”
“Councillor Turland’s comments have the potential to inadvertently mislead and create unnecessary anxiety and concern.”