Carnegie Pool - uncertain future.

From today's Leader

SWIMMERS fear the Carnegie pool will close with the imminent opening of the new multi-million dollar Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Resident Mischa Brus said many swimmers were worried the pool in Moira Ave would become defunct soon after the Bentleigh East centre was completed.Mrs Brus, who takes her four-year-old daughter Eviana to swim classes at the Carnegie pool, said there were no advertisements for the Carnegie pool, but plenty of publicity for GESAC.

“It’s like they’re leaving the Carnegie pool for dead,” Mrs Brus said.

“They’re putting in so much effort into GESAC, but no effort into advertising the Carnegie pool.

“There’s a feeling that they don’t care.”

Cr Neil Pilling has called for assurances the Carnegie pool would remain open and for $1 million to maintain it (”Centre needs cash”, the Leader, January 5, 2010).

“It’s an ongoing issue,” Cr Pilling said this week.

“Last year, council passed a motion saying they value the pool, but nothing is definite, nothing will become clear until a year or two after GESAC opens.

“It needs to be refurbished, it’s getting more and more rundown every year.

“We need to do something soon.”

Glen Eira Mayor Jamie Hyams said there were “absolutely no plans” to close the Carnegie pool.

Comment: Like hundreds of other residents I enjoyed a great fun day at the pool over last weekend's hot spell. The spacious surrounds compliment this valued community asset. This issue will have to be decided in the next term- I have and will remain committed to the retaining and refurbishment of our local pool.