Anger at the proposed closure of Mountains pools by Blue Mountains council is gathering momentum as teachers, parents, grandparents, children and community leaders gathered at Katoomba outdoor pool last Sunday.
Swim-In organiser John Tognolini said that council had raised rates significantly in recent years “on the basis that this was necessary to maintain services. This pool is a service and a significant asset. Council can’t have it both ways. They have increased rates, we have a right to expect them to maintain this pool.”
Representatives from the Blue Mountains Teachers Federation, Blue Mountains Union and Community Council, Katoomba Neighbourhood Centre, Katoomba Swim Club, Friends of the Blackheath Pool, Blackheath Alliance and Lawson Swim Club agreed to work together to oppose the planned closures of pools in the Mountains.
President of the Lawson Swim Club David Tobin said that the closure of toddler pools as proposed at Lawson was unacceptable. “Toddlers can’t learn to swim in a spray pad,” he said.
Mr Tobin was critical of council’s failure to be open about its plans. “Where are the signs at the entrances asking people whether or not they want the outdoor pool or toddler pools to go?”
Jennifer Ross from Friends of the Blackheath Pool advised everyone to make an individual submission as well as putting in organisational submissions.
Advocates to keep the pool open include traditional gully owner Jay Brooks Lane.
