A committee made up of community members including former Corowa Shire mayor Gary Poidevin has been formed since the decision to overlook the option of building a 25 metre indoor complex was made a fortnight ago.

The meeting will be held at the Corowa RSL Club on June 13 and a petition has also been launched.

Committee member and 2003 Corowa Shire citizen-of-the-year Maryann Herbert said it wasn’t too late for council to change its mind.

“If you don’t try, you will never know,” she said.

“We would really like to know some valid reasons from the five councillors why they voted against an indoor pool when there are so many reasons to vote for it.

“If nobody turns up, nobody turns up and we accept the decision that has been made.

“But the problem is replacing something which wasn’t being fully utilised in the first place and the river is the big drawcard.

“We know there are people who use the pool in Wangaratta and would be spending $1000 a year on fuel to get there and back again.”

Mr Poidevin was highly critical of the pool decision and has since questioned deputy mayor Shaun Whitechurch’s decision to vote on the issue due to an alleged conflict of interest relating to a separate proposal to create a fun park on land leased from the council.

Meanwhile, Federation Council has awarded the tender to operate the Ball Park caravan park for a fixed price of $579,000 and a variable price of 10 per cent of income for the 18-month period to BelgraviaPRO.

The discussion and subsequent vote moved by Cr David Longley and Cr Andrew Kennedy was held behind closed doors.

But Cr Fred Longmire requested his vote against the resolution be publicly recorded.

The long-term management concludes on June 30 and agreed to a shorter term contract to allow for the swimming pool redevelopment.

BelgraviaPRO is a joint venture between Belgravia Leisure and PRO Management, a specialist industry management provider.

Interim general manager Adrian Butler thanked park operators, Andrew and Sonia Palmer for their service.

“Andrew and Sonia have been an integral part in building the profile of Ball Park caravan park over the last 10 years,” Mr Butler said.

“We thank them for their commitment to the park and its patrons and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”

Council has confirmed Mr and Mrs Palmer also submitted a tender to continue operating the park.