Research has demonstrated for some time the provision, affordability and access of public facilities improve the health and wellbeing of a community.

In Yarrunga we have a community where many are of a low socio-economic group, consequently it is vital for the wellbeing of this community to have affordable and accessible and meaningful local public facilities.

The health of marginalised groups, for example young people, women and the aged, has been highlighted as needing easy access to leisure and recreational public facilities.

We hear almost every day of the negative impacts of our society on young people and the increase in suicide and crime instigated by young people, we hear of the need to keep fit as we age to increase our independence and life longevity.

Why haven’t these important aspects been considered in the aquatic proposal on the Yarrunga side of town?

Local government has always considered the bigger picture and impact of decisions on the health and well being of the community, but not in this instance.

When the decision was made to develop the Yarrunga pool, the old Olympic pool must have been seen as inadequate and out of reach to service the growing population in the Yarrunga area.

A swimming pool at Yarrunga can only enhance the attractiveness of the area and enhance liveability.

The worst thing about the latest aquatic plan is that its statistical modelling is highly biased and therefore inaccurate; the plan is highly problematic in my analysis and has ill-advised the current administrators towards an inept, unfair and irresponsible decision; this plan must be stopped immediately.

— ALAN J. LAPPIN,

Boorhaman North