ORGANISERS of the Corowa Triathlon fear this year's race might be the last if Federation Shire pushes ahead with plans to build a 25-metre pool in place of the ageing 50-metre facility.
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The council revealed late last year that a 25-metre indoor facility would be the preferred option to upgrade the pool.
Triathlon course supervisor Paul Schnelle said the triathlon's 300-metre swim was “already on the short side” and would be impacted by a 25-metre pool.
“The triathlon is on the calendar for a lot of people, it would certainly be a shame to lose it,” he said.
“The 300-metre swim for this event is already on the short side, and in a 25-metre pool you’re not going to be able to get the full swim in.
“The existing pool is admittedly very old, and I can certainly see both sides of the argument in terms of what size any replacement would be.
“Having a facility available for 52 weeks of the year would be great, but if they choose to have it outdoors it should be 50 metres.”
Corowa Swimming Club president Jo Ryland said a smaller pool would come at the expense of several annual meets hosted by the club.
“The club would prefer it to be a 50-metre pool to host Ovens and Murray pennant meets and other events,” she said.
“It would hurt the club to lose those events.
“There would be a flow on effect
“School swimming carnivals would also be affected, they would need more space.
“I’m not sure they’d hold them at a 25-metre pool, they may have to go out of town.”
Mrs Ryland also had doubts about the popularity of an indoor pool in the warmer summer months.
“I’m not sure people would use an indoor, heated pool over summer,” she said.
“The club will certainly benefit from being able to train for longer periods, but the size of the pool will hurt a little bit.”
Federation Council administrator Mike Eden said that while no plan had been set in stone, an indoor 25-metre facility remained the most likely option.
“At this stage, I really don’t think a 50-metre pool, either indoor or outdoor, is the right way to go,” he said.
“We’re still talking to as many people in the community as we can.
“I think the town deserves and needs to have a 25-metre pool available at all times.”
Corowa's 50-metre pool is 60-years-old and been in need of replacement for many years.
The planned new facility would include a 25-metre pool, a learn to swim pool and a splash park.
The 2017 Corowa Triathlon is set to go ahead once again on Sunday, January 15. Entries close on January 13.
