ALBURY'S chances of becoming home to a $50 million regional, all-year-round aquatics facility are officially dead in the water.
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Cr Alice Glachan and Cr Graham Docksey unsuccessfully attempted to have the committee recommendation debated once again in front of a packed gallery of aquatics facility users including the Fish Out of Water lobby group.
Cr Kevin Mack read a mayoral minute on the issue and reinforced the best chance of obtaining funding from other levels of government was a combined approach with Wodonga.
“As two cities we have a greater chance of attracting federal and state support if we go to the table together,” he said.
“Initial discussions regarding this option have been pleasing and positive and we are progressing them with both councils.
“Any added tensions that seem to be present regarding this option, detract from this good work and it is my contention that aquatics user groups should be part of the solution.
“Our communities are telling us that we need to work closer together with our neighbours.”
Fish Out of Water spokesman Stuart Baker said council had snubbed aquatics users by not debating the issue.
“I think there was very poor leadership and a lack of respect not to allow debate on the subject, particularly with 100 people in attendance and hoping to hear from their elected representatives,” he said.
The best chance of external funding for a regional aquatics facility in Wodonga will be during the next federal election with Indi remaining a marginal seat held by independent Cathy McGowan.