The Ross Swimming Pool has been saved from its uncertain future after the Northern Midlands Council caved into rising community pressure to retain it.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The council planned to dispose of the town's swimming pool and enter into talks with the Ross community about how to do so before backtracking on its decision at its June 29 meeting.
It instead included the pool in its 2020/21 budget, along with pools in Campbell Town and Cressy.
Mayor Mary Knowles said the council would prepare a strategy to direct the provision, planning, operation and funding of all council-owned swimming pool facilities.
This would include how to approach the council's more than $1 million estimation for upgrades to the Ross pool.
"Council has listened to the community and now seeks to determine and understand a way forward," Cr Knowles said
"Council is committed to consulting and engaging with the community as an integral stage in the preparation of this strategy, which we hope will provide us clarity and direction around the municipal pools both now and into the future."
The community submitted a petition at the same meeting asking the council to rethink its plans to dispose of the pool and it amassed 415 signatures.
In other news:
Ross Community Sports Club president Christine Robinson said she was delighted with the council's decision to keep it.
"The people spoke and they listened," she said.
"I'm overwhelmed by the support and encouragement from people throughout the municipality, especially the Ross community, who will always stand up for what they believe.
"Social media, letters to the editor and the council, newspaper articles, political representation and a petition with over 400 signatories, 235 alone representing almost every household in Ross was significant in the turnaround from council."
Mrs Robinson said the council's decision gave the community hope and encouragement to work with it in future.
"The Ross Community Swimming Pool was built by our fathers and grandfathers 60 years ago for the Ross community, this year the community stood as one and said thank you," she said.
"For 2018-2020 the community contributed $19,579 to the running costs of the pool.
"We recruited and paid for the training of a local pool guard and with an average daily attendance between five to 18 people enjoying the pool each day during the swimming season, it was worth standing up and fighting for."
What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor: