Frustration at the project earmarked for Lauren Jackson Sports Centre being shelved was relayed to councillors as one of the key reasons why an existing Albury-based aquatics advisory committee had not met for more than a year.

It was also a factor in the dissent towards Aligned Leisure which has taken over the management of pools in Albury and Wodonga for the next five years.

The council unanimously agreed to the cross-border advisory group being formed with representatives of pool user groups, Albury and Wodonga councillors and, if possible, casual pool users.

Cr Darren Cameron confirmed its function would also include “identifying the site and scope of an indoor facility”.

“I was one of the strongest opponents of the proposal to build a new indoor aquatics facility at Lauren Jackson centre and I don’t walk away from that,” he said.

“It is only achievable if we collaborate with Wodonga because the cost of building will be significant and the cost of operating will be particularly significant.

“But it is something this community deserves and something I’m prepared to support if we do it in collaboration with Wodonga, the federal government and the two state governments.

“Implementation of this aquatics contract hasn’t been council’s finest hour and the absence of regular meetings of the (present) committee has helped create the environment which that situation has developed.”

Cr David Thurley said ongoing resentment towards council for abandoning the Lauren Jackson centre proposal would be counter-productive towards resolving the present management grievances of swimming and water polo clubs.

Cr Thurley said Cr Cameron’s push for a cross-border committee made “perfect sense” and called for an end to the vitriol directed at council on social media.

“I understand already significant concessions have been made by Aligned with regards to fees,” Cr Thurley said.

“What I don’t see being particularly helpful is some of the stuff I’ve read (on Facebook).”

Aquatics community members, Jack Baker, Shelli Plumridge and Mary-Ann Marcure, spoke to councillors as part of a public forum.

But mayor Kevin Mack interjected on multiple occasions to remind them to stay on topic which led to accusations of bullying by sections of the packed gallery.

Mr Baker, a member of the aquatics action group, had reservations about the effectiveness of a cross-border committee.

“I’m certainly for any committee that can make things happen and ensure kids, families and individuals can participate in swimming and water sports,” he said.

“History says these committees haven’t yielded anything in the past despite the hard work that’s gone into them.

“We also don’t know if Wodonga is on board with the motion.

“The aquatics action group’s purpose is to get clubs out of a crisis and until the lane-hire fees are sorted, that crisis is ongoing.”