THE Foster community is determined to show South Gippsland Shire Council how very much the community values the local swimming pool.
Following on from last week’s well-attended public meeting, almost a full complement of people have volunteered for positions on the planning group established as a sub-group of the Section 86 committee which manages the pool for the council.
Treasurer of the pool committee Ian Lyon conveyed the committee’s thanks to the more than 70 members of the community who attended the meeting on June 2 and the additional 40 or so who were unable to make it and sent apologies. He also thanked the staff and students of South Gippsland Secondary College, instrumental in a petition carrying numerous signatures in support of the swimming pool.
“Particular thanks for the support of the Rotary Club and the Foster Community Association of which several members have volunteered to be part of a Planning Group to assist in determining strategy options to secure the pool’s long-term future,” said Mr Lyon. “Thanks also to the others who have offered to take up a place assisting in one of the sub-groups.”
Under the direction of a coordinator (this position is yet to be filled) the Planning Group will look at the following areas, with a view to preparing a feasibility study for the redevelopment of Foster Swimming Pool as an aquatic facility catering to the requirements of the broader Foster and district community for the next two to three decades: heating source; structural design options for cover/roof; grants funding; schools programs; health programs; Foster Golf Club collaboration; other user group integration; IT and governance.
“With support from such a broad community representation we hope that the momentum will be maintained over the next few important years, and Foster will not only retain its pool past the current confirmed period of next summer but develop a greatly improved facility that will cater for recreational, sport and health interests of all ages for many years to come,” said Mr Lyon, inviting anyone else who wishes to help plan for the future of Foster Swimming Pool to phone him at Atoll Travel on 5682 1088.
Committee president Lisa Barham-Lomax added: “Convincing Councillors that the Foster community places a high value on retaining and developing the pool is important. It was good to see the mayor, Cr Jim Fawcett, and Cr Mohya Davies at last Monday’s meeting. Hopefully the mayor got the message from such a well-attended gathering.”
She said that the turn-out at the meeting and the formation of the Plannning Group were consistent with the message the community has long given about the high value it places on the local swimming pool. She pointed out that in the ‘Planning For Real’ survey conducted several years ago and then again in the survey carried out last summer by the pool committee the community indicated strong support for Foster Pool.
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