Georges River Council explores locations for new pool

Georges River Council is to undertake a study into suitable locations for a third aquatic centre in its boundaries that will include Carss Park and Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.

With the Council facing the permanent closure of the Kogarah War Memorial Pool at Carss Park, its  Community and Culture Committee on Monday night considered recommendations for a new pool location as contained in the Georges River Council's Open Space, Recreation and Community Facilities Strategy 2019-2036.

The Strategy recognises that three aquatic facilities are required to meet the needs of Georges River local government area until 2036, which now has only two following the closure of the Carss Park Pool.

As reported by the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, the Strategy suggests that a future aquatic centre may include an indoor/outdoor 50-metre pool, 15/25 metre heated program pool along with possible features such as a café, creche, gymnasium, health and wellbeing centre, water splash play area and car parking.

The form of a future third aquatic facility should take into account the Carss Bush Park Sport and Recreation Precinct Masterplan and two other studies still to come to council including the Aquatic Site Suitability and Feasibility Study.

This study will consider suitable locations across the LGA for a third centre including Carss Park, Jubilee Stadium and other locations.

The dominant issue raised in the submissions (356 unique and 62 pro forma) was concern for the closure of Kogarah War Memorial Pool at Carss Park for development of a car park.

78% of those who responded called for the facility to be retained and/or refurbished.

Four petitions were received in the form of written and online petitions supporting the repair/refurbishment of the pool. The petitions included approximately 6000 petitions in written form and 5,500 signatures in an online petition.

The Strategy is to address the future needs of the local government area and ensure the community has adequate access to facilities and spaces including community centres, libraries, parks and open spaces, sports fields and courts, aquatic and athletics facilities, and other recreation activities such as skate parks.

Golf which was highlighted by 18 respondents included 14 with concerns about any potential reduction of the Beverley Park Golf Course from 18 holes to nine.

The Jubilee Stadium Hub was mentioned by 39 respondents (11%), generally expressing concern at the recommendation to locate a sport and recreation hub there.

Correction. An earlier version of this item included an image of the Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre, referring to it as a Georges River Council facility. The Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre is  a Bayside Council facility.

Image: Georges River Council's Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre.