REGULAR users of the Tea Gardens Community Swimming Pool have started a petition with MidCoast Council firmly in their sights.
The petition calls on the Council to replace the pool’s solar heating system, repaint the deteriorating surface and maintain the pool to an optimal standard.
“We’d like MidCoast Council Administrator John Turner to tell us why there’s no money for the repairs and keeping the pool up to scratch,” Rhonda Bobako from the Myall Masters Swimming Club told News Of The Area.
The petition also states, “The lack of solar heating will significantly reduce the pool temperature and therefore limit the duration of the swimming season, which will stop people participating in activities that help to sustain a healthy lifestyle.’’
“The pool is also essential for learn to swim programs and physical rehabilitation.”
”The deterioration of the pool surface is considered to be a safety issue for users.”
MidCoast Council claims the solar heating has reached the end of its life and is too expensive to replace.
Council also says it’s been quoted $50,000 to repair the pool surface and repaint the lane dividers, money it just doesn’t have.
Hard copies of the petition are being widely spread around the Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest Area.
Copies for signature can be found at both Pharmacies, Hawks Nest Newsagency and Golf Club, Tea Gardens Arts and Craft Centre and numerous outlets at the Myall Quays Shopping Centre.
Myall Masters recently held a very successful Carnival which attracted hundreds of visitors from all over the State but staging it again next year is in jeopardy.
“The black lines are not competition standard so that’s going to stop us from having another meet,” Rhonda said.
Tea Gardens and Karuah Primary Schools also hold their annual swimming carnivals at the complex.
Aqua Club member Jan Peeters is another local firmly behind the petition.
In a letter to Council, Jan wrote, ‘’I understand budgets and budget constraints but urge you to seek some priority for funding for this important asset to many residents of Tea Gardens/ Hawks Nest.’’
Ms Bobako is urging as many as possible to add their names to the cause before she submits it to Council by the end of the month.
By Margie TIERNEY