Olinda Pool Update #1
Hi all, as we all know the Olinda pool is not in good shape. Council officers during their routine inspections found significant cracks throughout the pool shell. Cracks were so significant it was recommended that the pool couldn't be repaired in time for this summer. This has lead to much media and community debate about the future of this pool. A local group "save the Olinda pool" has been established and also created a Facebook site which I encourage people to visit. Especially locals even if you don't go to the pool and comment about your thoughts.
We must ensure there is open and respectful communication on this issue as I am aware that this pool has a lot of history, as do all other community pools that are this age. No defamatory or accusations of any "conspiracy" will be tolerated.
I want to ensure all community members are heard and given the right to speak so please feel free to use this blog for comments and ideas, it would be welcomed! I have seen the benefits of both community pools that have survived extinction and those which have been revitalised into other types of water activities.
The fire resource issue is important to remember but rest assured that Olinda will still have access to water for fire fighting if the pool was to go, that is guaranteed!
Pools are costly to run as we all know, but the cost to good physical, mental, and social health is immeasurable, having lived in small communities in the past, I do see the attraction. On the flip side, I would ask questions about the cost of running such a pool where there are approx. 2000 visitors a year and a running cost of $60K/yr so on average costing rate payers $30 per visitor? (2010 comments on pool opening Leader press). Maybe we need to look alternatives or other ideas on how this pool or this site could be viable? I'm all ears!
Cr Jason Callanan
crjasoncallanan@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Can we see the break down of the $60,000 p.a. costs. How much money does it take during summer (clearly not THAT much!). We can definitely help close the gap. Surely we'll be able to lower costs and raise revenue.
ReplyDelete- Lady Shaula
Cr Jason Callanan, councillor for the Chandler ward which includes the location of the Olinda Pool, attended the Save The Olinda Pool meeting on 19 December. Jason introduced himself with a brief description of his own up-bringing in small towns around Australia. Cr Callanan went on to explain that initially he didn't see any problem with closing the Olinda pool, but now, having listened to arguments in support of keeping the pool, Cr Jason Callanan has decided to support the retention and re-opening of the pool. I felt like applauding his statement, and I'm not sure why I didn't, perhaps it was because I was waiting for others to start with some sort of thankyou? Not to worry, here it is -
ReplyDeletethankyou Jason Callanan.
(pasted from Facebook)
Thank you Shaula!
DeletePerhaps making the pool apart of the Olinda destination experience. Its very important to look after the locals but why not try and drive some tourist dollars there during summer. The pool needs a bit of a reno. The blonde brick building could be revamped with a mural by local artists, a bit of community landscaping/gardening. Signage in the village advertising the pool- to get people to drive beyond 'Pie in the Sky". Picnics at the pool..other Saturday/sunday family fun activities. There is so much more to Olinda than just the main street. I'm writing/shooting an editorial piece for Home Beautiful magazine in January(out in April) which will encompass all the interesting places to visit in Olinda. We should try a bit more marketing - I could do a piece for Yarra Valley & Ranges magazine? Would love to discuss ideas and what is possible. Regards Jo
ReplyDeletejomccomiskey@bigpond.com
Thanks Jo, your suggestions are great!, We need to see how this pool will survive the next 50yrs and it may take some new and innovative thinking. Although we want a pool, I would like that site to utilised for the other 9months of the year too! Jo would you be interested in being involved in any consultation process that may happen in the near future?
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