North Sydney Olympic Pool facelift: Call for probe into planning costs
THERE are calls for a probe into the planning costs for the $30 million upgrade of North Sydney Olympic Pool after a controversial nine-member delegation’s “study tour” to Melbourne.
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THERE are calls for an independent probe into the planning costs for the $30 million redevelopment of North Sydney Olympic Pool following a controversial nine-member delegation’s “study tour” to Melbourne.
North Sydney Council has kept the date of the visit a closely guarded secret after Mayor Jilly Gibson and her daughter, fellow councillor Alanya Drummond, were accused in late August of planning an $8000 “shopping trip” to the Victorian capital Melbourne at ratepayers’ expense.
Crs Gibson and Drummond — who has a University Medal in Interior Architecture and a PhD in Architecture — both dismissed the criticism and said the trip was to inspect the “world’s best” aquatic facilities.
Council fell silent on the issue until the Daily questioned this week whether the delegation had completed the visit.
As it turns out, it was undertaken way back on September 4 and no report has since been tabled in council on it, and some councillors claim they have been kept in the dark.
Cr Gibson said this week the trip cost $1582.00 for the hire of a minibus and airfares for her, Cr Drummond, general manager Ken Gouldthorp, council’s engineering director Duncan Mitchell and North Sydney Olympic Pool manager Norm Boyle.
“The architects and project manager went separately,” she said.
Cr MaryAnn Beregi slammed the Mayor’s secrecy over the interstate visit and claimed the cost would be “much more” once the consultants billed council.
“When you factor in consultants’ high hourly rates, plus staff time, it will be closer to the original estimate for the trip,” Cr Beregi said.
“There wasn’t, nor has there been, any communication with the other councillors in relation to the trip.
“Ratepayers are forking out big money for experts in the field of best-design pools. Surely they would already be aware of the leading pool projects for us to adopt?
“And it is clear that none of the (three visited Melbourne) pools face the unique and complex challenges of the North Sydney Olympic Pool in terms of heritage, location and significant site constraints.
“I believe a probity advisor should be appointed for this major project.”
Cr Gibson said the delegation gained “valuable ideas” during the day trip.
“The complexes were all financially successful, partly due to the placement of cafe and retail options at the point of entry,” she said.
“The children’s water-play areas were colourful and imaginative.
“Also of interest were the ‘warm pools’ which were favoured by babies, infants and senior citizens.”