Bega MP Andrew Constance says the time for talk on Mackay Park is over.
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Mr Constance met community representatives to discuss development of the precinct, in the old Batemans Bay Bowling Club building, on Monday, August 7; he was obviously frustrated with delays in accessing funding opportunities for the precinct.
We don’t want to compromise, we want a 50 metre pool.
- Pam Shield
“We can’t be talking anymore,” Mr Constance said.
He warned those assembled not to get tied up in any more concept planning.
“If I have to intervene to get a result, I will … we have to get the application in.”
The MP was in town with NSW Arts Minister Don Harwin and for discussion with Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Liz Innes and council staff, before meeting arts group representatives, the Batemans Bay Indoor Aquatic Centre Committee, and the Batemans Bay Business and Tourism Chamber.
After the meeting, the pool committee secretary Pam Shield reiterated the community’s desire for a 50-metre pool in an indoor aquatic centre.
“With the amount of money that is being bandied about at the moment, we have an opportunity to put this town on the map,” Ms Shield said.
“We don’t want to compromise, we want a 50-metre pool,”
However, Ms Shield acknowledged compromise might be necessary - “we are not going to sacrifice the entire aquatic centre” – and not just because a 25-metre pool would be cheaper to build.
“It’s the maintenance costs – that’s what they’re telling us; we haven’t actually got figures,” Ms Shield said.
A spokeswoman for council said there had been no decision on a preference for a 50-metre or 25-metre pool.
Mr Harwin reminded those present this was the first of four years of funding rounds for sports and arts proposals.
“We are receiving expressions of interest (for funding) from people up to September,” Mr Harwin said.
“Then applications for this year close in the middle of October.”
The next meeting of the Batemans Bay Indoor Aquatic Centre Committee will be held at the Catlina Country Club at 2pm, on Monday, August 14. All welcome. More information: Carolyn Harding 0423 214 333.