With a new indoor pool worth up to $40 million on the agenda, the council has been seeking public feedback on a way forward.

But as of last week, only 260 submissions had been lodged with a consultant hired to look at the issue.

Cr Mack said with a population of about 50,000 and about 20,000 ratepayers, the council was yet to get a clear picture of what the community wanted.

“It’s a considerable investment and people need to stand up and speak,” he said.

“If they want us to spend this sort of money, they need to let us know.

“We’re asking the community and ratepayers to let us know what to do.”

Cr Mack said the feedback would guide the council, with a range of options on the table.

“We’ll be looking to make savings where we can,” he said.

“The existing aquatic facilities could be upgraded instead.

“The consultant’s brief is to look at the facilities we have and consider what the future is for those, and work out the best proposition moving forward.”

The two council-run pools in Albury and Lavington will need significant investment in five to 10 years’ time due to their age, Cr Mack said.

Members of the public have already told the council that Albury needs “vastly improved” aquatic facilities and the mayor said it would be hard to get government funding for a new pool.

“There are not too many projects that any local council funds to the tune of $40 million,” he said.

“This is why people need to think about a way forward.

“It’s a lot of money.

“It’s a generational debt and we need to be justified in what we’re doing.”

The consultant has been conducting face to face interviews and telephone surveys, while also receiving written and online submissions.

For more information about the consultation, visit alburycity.nsw.gov.au/have-a-say/albury-aquatics-strategy