THE make-up of the Albury aquatic facilities advisory committee has been confirmed with the non-participation of Wodonga councillors still a sore point with some Albury counterparts.
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Cr Alice Glachan, who will chair the committee, said it was "regrettable" no Wodonga councillor was involved with deputy mayor Amanda Cohn holding hope Wodonga would have a change of heart.
But, Cr Darren Cameron went a step further and said the snub, in his opinion, raised doubts over its commitment to the Two Cities, One Community initiative between Albury and Wodonga councils conceived almost two years ago.
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"It has been a less than pleasing saga, the saga of the new aquatics contract," Cr Cameron said.
"I'm pleased we've come to this point where we have a new committee, but I am bitterly disappointed in the stubborn and dogged refusal of Wodonga to participate.
"In my view it calls into question their commitment to what should be our overwhelming goal of Two Cities, One Community.
"They need to have a bloody good hard look at themselves."
Joining Cr Glachan on the committee are swimming and water polo association representatives Anthony Foley and Brent Milthorpe, community representatives Peter Slattery and Stephen Mamouney, youth council member Jack Jorgensen and Albury-Wodonga Aquatic Facilities Management's Simon Bryson.
The two council staff representatives are Albury's Michael Stanton and Wodonga's Liona Edwards.
Cr Cohn was also supportive of the committee's formation.
"We've had some challenges with aquatics facility in this term on council," she said.
"Earlier and more comprehensive consultation with our community could have prevented some of those issues.
"I also hope at some stage Wodonga will join us."
Wodonga Council said it had met the requirement for committee representation.
"The current request in August, following the modification to the terms of reference, was for the most relevant organisational representative, which would be the manager in charge of our aquatics facilities." a spokeswoman said.
Meanwhile, the federal government is eager to achieve the first regional deal milestone being the signing of a statement of intent.
