It was inevitable that local residents would form a larger community group to continue to lobby for Carss Park Pool.
I can understand the resident’s support for a local pool as opposed to “a bells and whistle pool “at Todd Park, an inappropriate location. The former Kogarah Council area had a shortage of open space; this area is used by local junior sporting teams and must be retained.
I have swum consistently since my May 2015 spinal operation. I was advised by my neurosurgeon to swim, and this has given me first hand experience of who uses a local pool. During Covid 19 i have very much missed putting the speedos and the goggles on and enjoying quiet contemplation in the pool, whilst completing laps. I do much thinking whilst in the pool!
A good local pool needs a 50 metre pool , an indoor heated pool with disabled access, a childrens pool , change rooms with disabled access, and a kiosk of a moderate size. Anything else is superfluous.
Whenever i am in Perth visiting a Newcastle school friend, i swim in Melville Pool. I have also swum in pools in Albany, Albion Park , Bexley, Coffs Harbour, Marrickville, and an Aquatic Centre on the South Coast, along with Georges River Council pools. I have been able to make comparisons.
Councillor Kathryn Landsberry has been a hardworking supporter of the Carss Park Pool and for this she must be given full marks. She has also been active in Council debate on the subject. Councillor Katris, my former North Ward colleague from Kogarah Council , raised logistical and engineering based problems in Council debate. The red flag was clearly raised.
I reflect back over the past 15 years on the political storm surrounding new infrastructure in the local area – the Kogarah Library (I was on Council) Rockdale Library (i was a member of the Library Committee) and Bexley Pool .
Could i be so cynical after my 17 years experience in Local Government to suggest that this pool decision was not based on the community concerns? The decision has earned the local community’s wrath.
Anne Field
Kogarah
Former North Ward Councillor 1999-2008
Representative of the Kogarah Bay Progress Association.
