Cost critical to pool fate

By Paul Dunlop
PRICES will be sought for fixing Pakenham’s outdoor pool as a final decision on the facility’s future edges closer.
Cardinia Shire Council on Monday ordered detailed assessments of what it would take — and cost — to fix the facility to be prepared with a view to putting the works out to tender.
Councillors have engaged Aquatic Consultants Pty Ltd to prepare a scope of works required for a design and construct contract to restore the pool.
A similar contract has been sought from council staff covering the restoration of the buildings at the pool complex to a reasonable standard that complies with various health and safety regulations.
Council asked for the two briefs to come back to council for approval before they are put out to tender.
The reports will be the basis for the final decision on the pool’s future.
Closed since it was declared unsafe in 2001, the bid to reopen the pool has steadily gained momentum since the new council was elected in November.
But cost remains the likely sticking point and the issue most likely to divide councillors when the final decision is made.
Mayor Bill Ronald said council had been told the pool was structurally sound and capable of being restored, possibly for around $200,000 to $450,000.
“We will ascertain exactly how much the business community is prepared to offer,” he said.
“Council (will soon be) in a very firm position to make an intelligent decision, based on facts, as to whether the works are warranted.
“We have spent very little money to bring council up to speed about exactly what the situation is, we can then make a decision as to whether we go ahead or not.”
Cr Brett Owen welcomed the move, saying council would soon be in a position to make its final decision.
Built by the community after Melbourne’s 1956 Olympics, the Anderson Street facility has long been the subject of a grassroots Save the Pakenham Pool campaign to have it repaired and reopened.
Estimates to fix the pool have ranged between $280,000 and $750,000, depending on who is doing the sums.
Council is expected to make its final decision on the pool in time for the facility to reopen in November, if that’s the way the vote goes.
Meanwhile, work is continuing apace on Cardinia LiFE — the landmark new aquatic and recreation centre featuring indoor heated pool facilities at the Toomuc Reserve.
An opening date for the $10 million facility which includes gymnasium and childcare facilities as well as a range of swimming options is expected in June.