Moreland’s politicians providing ‘no effective’ support to pools, says mayor

ALL of Moreland’s eight public pools will remain open but Mayor John Kavanagh says more needs to be done by politicians to help the council pay for upgrades.

Pascoe Vale Outdoor Pool will remain open as part of Moreland Council’s Aquatic Strategy. Picture: Hamish Blair

ALL of Moreland’s public pools will remain open but the mayor has put politicians on notice for giving “no effective advocacy” for local pools.

Before Moreland councillors approved the Aquatic Strategy at this month’s meeting, Mayor John Kavanagh read a scathing statement particularly aimed at Pascoe Vale state Labor MP Lizzie Blandthorn for providing “not one dollar of support”.

As reported by Moreland Leader in April, Ms Blandthorn sent an eight-page letter to the council criticising its draft policy of “copy and paste” recommendations about Pascoe Vale Outdoor Pool and Coburg Olympic Swimming Pool.

SWIMMING POOLS IN DANGER OF CLOSURE DUE TO FINANCIAL LOSSES

MP TAKES AIM AT MORELAND COUNCIL’S POOLS STRATEGY

Both pools will remain open on a seasonal basis, with performance and attendance to be monitored.

Cr Kavanagh said he was “more than happy” to have received the letter but urged her to “back up those words with action”.

“Oak Park (Leisure Centre) is one pool under her watch and that lack of advocacy meant we have not received one cent in support,” he said. “Why do other municipalities receive more than words from their local members?”

Ms Blandthorn wrote to council in March of 2016 to support a council application for a $10 million federal grant for the Oak Park pool. The application was unsuccessful.

Ms Blandthorn was unable to comment as she is on maternity leave.

Cr Kavanagh put Broadmeadows state Labor MP Frank McGuire on notice after flagging Fawkner Leisure Centre would be the next pool to be upgraded.

During his speech, Cr Kavanagh made mention of the Coburg pool shutting for one season due to maintenance, which Friends of Coburg Olympic Pool member Cate Hall said was “odd” as it closed for two seasons from December 2006.

“(Cr Kavanagh) said it was only closed for one season by Melbourne Water when it was actually closed for two seasons by the council and had nothing to do with Melbourne Water,” she said. “It was also disappointing that feedback for heating the pool is disappointingly not reflected in the strategy.”