Thousands back Mernda pool petition but Whittlesea Council undecided

Thousands of people have backed a petition calling for an Olympic-size pool to be included in the Mernda Aquatic Centre, but supporters aren’t convinced Whittlesea Council is in favour.

Extend the Pool campaigner Ryan Hogan.

The community has thrown its voice behind the Extend the Pool Campaign with more than 1000 people signing a petition calling for a 50m pool at the Mernda Aquatic Centre.

Whittlesea Council is currently completing a costing for a 50m pool to be included at the aquatic centre.

But Extend the Pool in Mernda Facebook page campaigner Ryan Hogan said costings for a 50m pool were only being considered following public pressure and a costing did not guarantee a 50m pool would be included at the facility.

JOIN THE FIGHT: CAMPAIGN FOR AN OLYMPIC-SIZE POOL MAKING A SPLASH

THE $48 MILLION AQUATIC CENTRE NO ONE WANTS

PEOPLE POWER: CAMPAIGN FOR OLYMPIC-SIZE POOL SCORES MAJOR WIN

“The council’s original plan for the aquatic centre was to provide no lap pool at all,” Mr Hogan said.

Whittlesea deputy mayor Tom Joseph.

Prior to the Extend the Pool Campaign in March, the council had voted to consider only two $48 million aquatic centre options, with the largest pool only 25m.

Following the announcement of the campaign an urgent motion by Cr Tom Joseph for a report and costings into the viability of a 50m pool was unanimously supported by Whittlesea councillors.

While he intended to submit the petition to the council at the end of the month Mr Hogan vowed to continue the campaign.

“The extend the pool campaign will continue to highlight all individuals from the council that both push advancement and hinder developments regarding the 50m pool,” he said.

The petition can be signed at Laurimar Fruit Basket, Parker’s Auto Plus Whittlesea, Mernda Cafe Convenience and Billy’s Junction Mernda until May 24.