SEVEN options for Albury's future aquatics needs have been placed on public exhibition despite a bid to torpedo the strategy from Cr Darren Cameron on Monday night.
Cr Cameron's plan not to proceed to community consultation with the already contentious draft aquatics strategy and maintain Albury and Lavington swim centres was voted down by fellow councillors.
A secondary move by Cr Cameron to only put options of retaining the outdoor pools and the favoured option by consultants SGL of building a regional indoor aquatic centre at Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and retaining Albury pool out for public comment was also rejected despite the backing of Cr Ross Jackson and Cr Kevin Mack.
Members of the aquatics lobby group, Fish out of Water, including former mayor Stuart Baker were present as Cr Cameron took aim at projected visitation numbers to a 51.5 metre indoor pool, costings and scepticism about attracting external funding.
Cr Cameron also challenged aquatic sporting clubs to step up to the plate and contribute financially to an indoor pool centre which has been estimated to cost around $36 million.
Visitation levels to an indoor pool alone are projected to climb to 5.9 million over 10 years.
"I can't help feel there are some elements in this report that I am deeply uncomfortable with," Cr Cameron said.
"What would attract 5.9 million people over 10 years to this new facility over what we have now?
"I don't accept that figure."
Cr Cameron doubted council could attract state government funding for a new pool when it failed to secure money for Murray Art Museum Albury.
"Talk about deja vu, it is the same nightmare we went through with the art gallery," he said.
"Does anyone seriously think we are going to get $10 million for this project?
"If the aquatic clubs are as serious as they say they are about doing this then let us see them come back to council and say here is $23 million."
Cr David Thurley said council's debt levels were under control as it considered future aquatics requirements and the option of retaining the two existing pools would cost $20 million over the next decade.
He said an indoor pool would be open all year round and lead to increased visitation.
"All we are agreeing to do tonight is letting the community tell us what they think," he said.
"If the community says they don't think this is something Albury can afford and ridiculous we will listen.
"You don't get wonderful facilities such as Lavington Oval, such as the art gallery and such as this without spending money."
The seven pool options on public exhibition until March 22 are:
1. Retain the Albury and Lavington Swim Centres
2a. Develop a Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and retain Albury and Lavington Swim Centres (this option includes a 51.5M indoor pool)
2b. Develop an Aquatic Leisure Centre at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and retain Albury and Lavington Swim Centres (this option includes a 25M indoor pool)
3a. Develop a Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre at the Lavington Swim Centre and retain Albury Swim Centre (this option includes a 51.5M indoor pool)
3b. Develop an Aquatic Leisure Centre at the Lavington Swim Centre and retain Albury Swim Centre (this option includes a 25M indoor pool)
4. Develop a Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and retain Albury Swim Centre (this option includes a 51.5M indoor pool and the closure of the Lavington Swim Centre)
5. Develop a Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre (this option includes a 51.5M indoor pool and the closure of the Albury and Lavington Swim Centres)
