Twenty-eight Bellingen, Urunga and Thora residents attended a community meeting to discuss management of the Bellingen Swim Centre and its future. In attendance were swimmers, representatives from the Diggers and Bellingen Bats Swim Clubs, Bellingen Aquarobics and Bellingen Council.
The meeting arose from public concerns about the delay in pool opening. People also voiced fears about the pool’s future and raised past issues with pool management and maintenance.
An important message from residents was that the pool’s future must be considered in the context of its critical value to the wellbeing of the community and not simply as a financial impost on Council.
People spoke of the significant mental health, fitness, social and rehabilitation benefits the pool offers. In an area of rivers and beaches, the pool ensures children can learn water safety.
Without the pool, residents spoke of the time and financial cost involved in travelling to Macksville or Coffs, as well as the need to take students out of school early to make it in time for squads.
Council’s Group Leader of Community Partnerships provided an update on the successful pool tenderer and the pool’s expected opening in time for Christmas. Councillor Jenny Fenton was also present.
There was subsequent agreement that a Friends of the Bellingen Pool group be formed to act as a voice for pool users. The group intends to work closely with Bellingen Council to ensure the pool’s future. The next meeting of the group will be held 10.30 Saturday 20th September at the Bellingen Youth Hub with a focus on forming a Working Group and strategy. All pool users are encouraged to attend.