Blue Mountains City Council advances swimming pool closure plans

The Blue Mountains City Council is advancing proposals to close at least one of its public swimming pools despite fierce community opposition.

The Council's draft Open Space and Recreation Strategic Plan, which is on public exhibition until 15th January 2018, proposes the closure of some swimming pools at the Katoomba, Lawson and Blackheath aquatic facilities. The closure of the facilities is brought about as maintenance costs on the ageing pools are rising.

As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, locals fear children will be denied learn-to-swim opportunities under the plan.

However, a Council spokesperson said the local government area had more public swimming pools than many other councils, with aquatic facilities also at nearby Springwood and Glenbrook.

The spokesperson advised “it is proposed that we maximise the use of pools in good condition and retire assets in an aged condition.

"This approach would retain the five swim centres, however offer less individual pools in each location. It also looks at creating additional indoor facilities, extending the pool season, heating pools, as well as creating other water play spaces like splash pads."

Opposing that view, a spokesperson for the Save Katoomba Pool group advised “increasing the distance and cost travelling to affordable resources amplifies economic and social inequality. Unnecessary burden will be placed on those who can afford it least."

In addition, members of the Katoomba RSL Swimming Club, says that the potential the closure of the outdoor 50-metre pool in Katoomba threatened the viability of the club.

David Tobin, the President of the Lawson Amateur Swimming Club, said the smaller swimming pools threatened with closure were vital for helping non-swimmers to overcome a fear of the water.

He advised "of particular concern to me is the impact the proposed closures will have on teaching kids how to swim - both formal swimming instruction and also on giving kids an opportunity to familiarise with the water in shallower depths before they take to the big pool.”

Image: The outdoor pool at the Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre.

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