FEDERATION Council administrator Mike Eden has given the strongest hint yet the final decision on the replacement Corowa swimming pool could be left up to councillors elected in September.
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After originally hoping to make a final call by Christmas on another 50-metre outdoor pool or his preferred 25-metre indoor pool to open year-round, Mr Eden said the process was taking longer than anticipated.
He said council was looking at options beyond the pool site with a “whole of area approach” incorporating adjoining caravan park land, which was also owned by ratepayers.
Mr Eden said his preference remained a 25-metre indoor facility and claimed he had the backing of well-known national swimming identity, Laurie Lawrence, after briefing him on the aquatics issues relating to Corowa.
“I would be shocked if a decision is made before the September elections the way things are going,” Mr Eden said.
“The consultants are putting together plans, drawings for a whole-of-area approach.
“It will all happen, but not in the short term.
“It may come up to a council meeting I preside over, but I can't be certain of that now.”
Mr Eden's preferred indoor option is at odds with a survey result showing there was 70 per cent support for another outdoor pool and ratepayers were even prepared to pay extra in rates to maintain the status quo.
Corowa Swim Club coach Paul Upton welcomed the prospect of councillors making the final call on the town's pool.
“I feel a group of elected councillors would make a more suitable team to make the correct decision for the town,” he said.
“An elected councillor is more likely to have a vested interest in the future of the community rather than an appointed administrator who has no intention of ever living in this town or raising a family here.”
Mr Eden said Mr Lawrence had provided some interesting insights into the future of community pools.
“Most of the so-called experts are saying in 10 years time we won't be building outdoor pools,” Mr Eden said.