Originally Published May 10 2022
THE Quambatook community has stepped up its “Don’t Let it Sink” fundraising campaign in a bid to ensure the survival of the town’s memorial swimming pool.
The move comes as Gannawarra Shire Council continues to meet with members of the community as part of its engagement process in relation to council’s draft aquatic strategy.
Under the proposed strategy, Quambatook is one of two pools within the shire to be earmarked for permanent closure.
The strategy cites “very low usage” as reason to close the outdoor pool, with plans to return the site to an open space precinct, despite the pool making a profit.
“This strategy will redirect the council support (funding and administration) of the outdoor pool to the proposed new integrated aquatic facility,” the draft strategy states.
Former Quambatook resident Jo Coughlan said past and present community members had banded together in a bid to save the pool.
“Our fundraising which has already realised more than $2500 is ongoing as we work toward our target of $5000,” Ms Coughlan said, noting fundraising initiatives included walks, a raffle and the launch of tote bags.
Community members representing the Quambatook Community Development Association and the Committee of the Quambatook Memorial Pool met with council late last month to discuss the proposed strategy in more detail.
“Unfortunately the meeting was held during the day and so many, who would have liked to attend and have their say, were unable to,” Ms Coughlan said.
“The absence of Charlie Gillingham, the mayor and Quambatook’s representative on the council, was both notable and disappointing.”
Ms Coughlan said while council representatives focussed on the negatives of the aged structure and plant of the pool, increasing compliance requirements and the need to plan for the future, Quambatook representatives highlighted the important role the pool played within the local community.
The pool meeting took place a day prior to the announcement that the town was set to lose its football and netball club.
“Surely, in light of this announcement, the Gannawarra Shire Council, in its wisdom, will do all in its power to keep this wonderful and very vital community asset, the Quambatook Memorial Swimming Pool, open and viable.”
