Olinda Pool Update #3
1) Has the pool actually been tested for leaking? I have explained to the group that normal drops in open pools over the winter period vary but average about 100mls - 300mls. When the Olinda pool was inspected for maintennance prior to the 2013/14 season there had been a significant drop of over 1 metre, this along with cracks noted around the pool highly suggested to staff that there was an external leak. If you have any other evidence that can quantify this that would be great. Claims the pictures on our website supplied are misleading by the Olinda Pool group, I dont know how to reassure the group of this, any suggestions?
An Interim Summary Report from the structural engineers has recently been provided identifying leaks in addition to photo evidence of the leaking available on the website.
We (the council staff) reject any allegations that photos on our website of cracks and leaks in the Olinda Pool are not legitimate. These photos were taken when the pool was being prepared for the summer season. This statement has been provided directly to the Save the Olinda Pool group.
2) Core tests - What "exactly" will the test/report provide us? When did they start onsite, what is the cost of this testing and what was their quoted timeframe for completion? I understand that this contractor was assigned prior to xmas and that has lead to some delays, but the Olinda community is seeing this as a "tactic" from council to delay the openeing of the pool. I would imagine that this testing doesnt include the inspection of the pool pipelines? Will there be a requirement of further tests after this one? Are any forecasted/invisaged? Were there any reports identifying any cracks prior to this season's ones? If so, were there any plans to fix/repair them?
A core testing company has been engaged and will be conducting testing and analysis over the next 3 weeks. The testing assesses the strength and durability of the concrete; the acidity levels and carbon dioxide levels of the concrete; and chlorine contamination. Basically, if there are concerns regarding the structure, this will impact on what solutions are available and how much it will cost.
With regards to cracks and maintenance, Council has made repairs to cracks when found previously. This is evidenced by the expansion joint repairers made. The Interim Summary Report has also assessed the previous maintenance works undertaken.
3) Contractors of the management of Olinda Pool ?Belgravia? Accusations of non-payment at the entrance, refusal of funds for memberships and intentional lack of maintennance leading to the general poor state the pool reserve is in. Has this been put to the contractors? Is there any truth to these claims? Has Belgravia expressed any notion that they would rather not manage the Olinda Pool? I have grave concerns if the pool was to be reopened in the ability of Belgravia to adequately manage this pool.
These issues need to be separated out.
Belgravia Leisure are contracted by Council to manage the Olinda Pool and are happy to manage the pool when operational. We have addressed the allegations made of them relating to “refusal of season pass” (Allegation 1); and “non payment of entry” (Allegation 2). Belgravia Leisure has investigated the allegations and provided the following response. They have not expressed any notion that they would rather not manage the Olinda Pool
From Frank Van Der Kraan – Victoria Regional Management, Belgravia Leisure:
· Allegation 1 - “I have investigated the query regarding the season pass with the 2012/13 site manager who claims there was no query/incident raised on providing a season pass at Olinda over the last summer season. Belgravia have made season passes available at the outdoor pool sites to attract regular patronage, however, attendance figures from Olinda in the 2012/13 summer season indicate no season pass entries. Belgravia would not deny any patron a season pass if it was requested and was available.”
· Allegation 2 – “With respect to item two Belgravia are responsible in recording attendance figures upon entry and do not allow free entry for children of families. Attendance figures are accurate. All entry is charged according to Council’s fees and charges as Belgravia reports and performs against a financial budget.”
The allegations regarding “intentional lack of maintenance” has only recently been made. Council is responsible for the maintenance costs for the Olinda Pool, whilst Belgravia Leisure is responsible for servicing the plant and equipment. We regularly inspected, maintained and repaired the pool when needed. The pool is more than 50 years old and is naturally wearing out.
I will be approaching the members who claimed they were refused season passes and also those who witnessed the "open gate" and no charge at the pool at the next Olinda Pool Community meeting.
4) The 2007-2017 Yarra Ranges Aquatic Strategy page 13 is quoted in saying - "The immediate works required to bring the pool to a "safe" standard would cost $80,000. Had this been done if so when? If not, how could the council allow the public to use the pool if it is said to be unsafe?
These works were assessed and undertaken.
5) There is still some conflict of opinion regarding the facility being a fire fighting tool. Suggestions of tanks being provided (at council's cost) is a inferior one and the local CFA captain believes that they would not be an appropriate supply if the need arises. Why does council have to foot the bill for resources that should be supplied by a state organisation such as the CFA? Yarra Ranges dont fight fires why should we be in the business of supplying tools for another organisation? Was or is the Olinda Pool the "only" option for water supply in Olinda? There has been talk around costs of the tanks being in the $6k range is this true?
The CFA has advised us that they have interim measures in place for water supply including hydrants – one is located adjacent to the pool site – and a 100,000 litre water tank at the CFA station in Olinda. Council offered to provide additional water supply in the area for this fire season. The CFA informed us this would not be required given existing supplies in place.
The Olinda CFA brigade has recently advised that they support the retention of the pool as a strategic static water source.
Council only offered tanks because we had them available. Costs of the purchase and installation cost of tanks has not been explored. Nor who would be responsible for footing the bill if this was a requirement of any future development.
6) The contractor who was approached by the Olinda Group regarding repairing the cracks with a quote of approx $6k been looked into as a viable option for repair. Has or would there be an opportunity to meet with this contractor on site to validate this quote?
We have been in contact with this contractor and are setting up a site visit with the structural engineer in the coming weeks. This action is in response to Council’s resolution last week.
7) Is the suggestion from the Olinda Pool group regarding the formation of a "committee of management" that would then manage the pool a viable and realistic option? Im thinking of what we have in place with the Burrinja facility where a "partnership" has been created and funds are supplied to them for running the facility? This needs to be explored as this is something we (councillors) would be open to.
Various management models will be explored by Council as part of an investigation into future options for the Olinda Pool. Under the current management arrangements, Belgravia Leisure is responsible for servicing the pools plant and equipment, managing gate fees, providing supervision (lifesaver and first aid qualified) and routine cleaning of the pool and change facilities. This service is funded as part of the contract for managing the pool. Any possible arrangement where another group manages the pool would be subject to them demonstrating the ability to cover all aspects effectively.
I will be meeting with relevant council staff next week to engage in the real future of the Olinda Pool. This is a giant step guys! Your voice has been heard loud and clear and council have now taken notice. Continue the commitment you have shown and hopefully we will see people enjoying this area for years to come.
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