By Evelyn Leckie
RESIDENTS have applied pressure on the CIty of Whittlesea with the ‘Extend the Mernda Pool Campaign’ causing councillors to re-think the proposed 25-metre pool at Mernda Aquatic Centre.
All 11 councillors were present at the Whittlesea council meeting last week, voting unanimously in favour of an urgent motion raised by Cr Tom Joseph.The motion was for a costings report to be prepared to indicate how much it would cost to build a 50-metre pool.
Last month, council voted against the 50-metre pool option due to budget constraints.
Cr Joseph said that once the figures come in, councillors will know what they’re dealing with.
“Once we have the costings then we can consult the community and move forward,” Cr Joseph said.
The report does not mean the 50m pool plan will necessarily be approved, but it’s one step forward for Ryan Hogan who ran the ‘Extend the Mernda Pool’ campaign.
“I think the council members reconsidering the decision means they’re doing a great job,” Mr Hogan said.
“Our kids don’t get to vote – but we do.
“It affects our kids and a lot of sport clubs in the area are coming forward and supporting the campaign.
“We’ll continue to apply pressure and collect signatures which can be signed and dropped off at the Split Bean Café in Mernda.”
Mayor Lawrie Cox said he remained concerned about the costings of a 50m pool.
“I don’t oppose the pool, I oppose the cost – that has to be taken into account,” Cr Cox said.
“The purpose of the resolution is to make sure that information on the costings are factual.”
