There has been much controversy about the proposed GlenEira Sports & Aquatic Centre ("GESAC"). Some in the community have lately called for Council to re-consider and scrap the project for a less expensive option. Here are the unadulterated facts - not speculation or innuendo:
- There are currently 2 pools in the City of Glen Eira. Both were built in the 1960s. Both are of similar standard and quality.
- The 2 pools have major deficiencies. Both have major cracks in the concrete shell which cannot be adequately repaired but must be replaced.
- The filtration system at both pools is hopelessly inadequate and cannot any longer cope resulting in frequent shutdowns on hot days.
- The pools are not environmentally friendly both leaking chlorinated water into the water table.
- Disabled residents find it difficult to use the pools because of the high "lip".
When first elected in 2005 I and my fellow Councillors explored the possibility of repair but after careful and considered examination it was clear that a "repair" was not practicable and what was required was a totally new facility.
I initially favoured locating GESAC at the Carnegie pool site however after consultation and initial plans being drawn it became obvious that Carnegie was both too small but further traffic would adversely affect residents. This was in contrast to the East Boundary Road site that ticked all the boxes.
The Council engaged in a lengthy and public consultation process with their having been to date 8 public meetings. It is of interest to note that those that are currently opposing GESAC did not either attend or make submissions. Further much of what is being said by them has no basis in truth but then why should facts get in the way. Innuendo is far more frightening!
I am Chairman of the Pools Steering Committee and as such have involved myself in each stage of the process. Australia's leading Pool consultant, Mike King has been engaged to advise Council. Architects have drawn detailed plans all of which were also submitted for public scrutiny at a public meeting.
Cost is certainly a factor and wild estimates of $70million + have been bandied about. The truth is that the budgeted amount is $45million of which the Federal Govt has committed $10million.
Criticism has been made as to location suggesting that the pool ought to be located at the Racecourse - only 1 problem - The Racecourse is not Council property. The truth is that before deciding on location Councillors considered every other possible location within the municipality. The choice of the East Boundary Road site was not made as a whim but rather as a considered decision.
Others say that in these economic times we should hold back and defer. I disagree. It is important that we have a vision for this municipality. That vision must not be shortsighted. We are not just planning for today but hopefully for a facility that will last at least 40 - 50 years. Now is the time to be bold and provide residents with a facility that will not just be a pool but will provide hydrotherapy, a creche, basketball and netball courts and similar. It is easy to be short sighted and resist change however despite the hot air the vast majority of residents who bothered to attend our public meetings enthusiastically endorsed Council's proposals.
What is patently clear is that the 2 existing pools cannot continue . They are well beyond their last legs. We can certainly spend ratepayer money to effect major repairs but all this would do is extend the life of the pools for a few more years before further works were required. It would be throwing good money away for a very short term fix. We do not need to replicate a 40 year old model but rather we must move into the 21st Century with a state of the art facility.
One of the hallmarks of the Council has been sound financial management. Despite the global financial crisis the Council has been performing well and is still a low rating Council compared to neighbouring municipalities. We would not have embarked on GESAC had we not had confidence that we had the financial ability to do so AND that in doing so we would not cripple the Council in its other endeavours or mortgage the future. Critics may scare monger but the truth is that this Council and the Council of 2005-2008 have a record of sound management, decisive decision making and a committment to repairing and maintaining infrastructure, matters long previously neglected.
The current pools are losing money each year whereas the financial model for GESAC is predicated on the complex either being profitable or at the worst breaking even. This is certainly achievable given GESAC will be more than a swimming pool.
I initially favoured locating GESAC at the Carnegie pool site however after consultation and initial plans being drawn it became obvious that Carnegie was both too small but further traffic would adversely affect residents. This was in contrast to the East Boundary Road site that ticked all the boxes.
The Council engaged in a lengthy and public consultation process with their having been to date 8 public meetings. It is of interest to note that those that are currently opposing GESAC did not either attend or make submissions. Further much of what is being said by them has no basis in truth but then why should facts get in the way. Innuendo is far more frightening!
I am Chairman of the Pools Steering Committee and as such have involved myself in each stage of the process. Australia's leading Pool consultant, Mike King has been engaged to advise Council. Architects have drawn detailed plans all of which were also submitted for public scrutiny at a public meeting.
Cost is certainly a factor and wild estimates of $70million + have been bandied about. The truth is that the budgeted amount is $45million of which the Federal Govt has committed $10million.
Criticism has been made as to location suggesting that the pool ought to be located at the Racecourse - only 1 problem - The Racecourse is not Council property. The truth is that before deciding on location Councillors considered every other possible location within the municipality. The choice of the East Boundary Road site was not made as a whim but rather as a considered decision.
Others say that in these economic times we should hold back and defer. I disagree. It is important that we have a vision for this municipality. That vision must not be shortsighted. We are not just planning for today but hopefully for a facility that will last at least 40 - 50 years. Now is the time to be bold and provide residents with a facility that will not just be a pool but will provide hydrotherapy, a creche, basketball and netball courts and similar. It is easy to be short sighted and resist change however despite the hot air the vast majority of residents who bothered to attend our public meetings enthusiastically endorsed Council's proposals.
What is patently clear is that the 2 existing pools cannot continue . They are well beyond their last legs. We can certainly spend ratepayer money to effect major repairs but all this would do is extend the life of the pools for a few more years before further works were required. It would be throwing good money away for a very short term fix. We do not need to replicate a 40 year old model but rather we must move into the 21st Century with a state of the art facility.
One of the hallmarks of the Council has been sound financial management. Despite the global financial crisis the Council has been performing well and is still a low rating Council compared to neighbouring municipalities. We would not have embarked on GESAC had we not had confidence that we had the financial ability to do so AND that in doing so we would not cripple the Council in its other endeavours or mortgage the future. Critics may scare monger but the truth is that this Council and the Council of 2005-2008 have a record of sound management, decisive decision making and a committment to repairing and maintaining infrastructure, matters long previously neglected.
The current pools are losing money each year whereas the financial model for GESAC is predicated on the complex either being profitable or at the worst breaking even. This is certainly achievable given GESAC will be more than a swimming pool.
1 comment:
Congratulations Cr Lipshutz on joining the blog site fraternity. An excellent opportunity to put your own light into the black hole of residents confusion.
Are you aware that a public meeting has been called in time for tonight's Council meeting?. 7 pm at the Town Hall tonight.
I am concerned that for some obscure reason misinformation has been allowed to fester for too long about Council's capacity of pay.
It may well be opportune to call those organisers to the table and clarify exactly what their concerns are and how they've been allowed to continue to infer the Council will go broke should the project continue.
Council must ensure the budget is adhered to though not to give oxygen to the unbelievers.If the tenders come back, above budget then the project must be scaled back to accommodate only what was originally committed. You're proud of Council making the hard decisions, Cr Lipshutz but does that necessarily make them right for what the community expects of you? Make sure the GESAC stays within budget!
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