Pool plan dives

By Tania Martin
A KALORAMA resident has called for transparency from the Shire of Yarra Ranges after $2 million allocated for the redevelopment of the Monbulk Aquatic Centre was withdrawn.
The council announced last year that it would be spending $2 million on the upgrade of the aquatic centre as a part of its 2004-05 budget.
However, the council has reallocated the funding for the Monbulk Community Centre development.
The Mail reported on Tuesday, 15 June, 2004 that the redevelopment could include a hydrotherapy pool, a gymnasium upgrade, new multipurpose rooms and general improvements to the facility.
Ms Rae said she was concerned that the council had not consulted the community or advised them about the funding changes.
“The council needs to be aware of the community’s concerns and more open and transparent on funding issues like this,” she said.
However, shire manager of community relations James Martin, said following a review of its capital expenditure program, the council had reprioritised its major projects.
Mr Martin said this was done to better reflect the community’s expectations and the shire’s available finances.
“As a result of this we have allocated $3 million for aquatics commencing in the 2010-11 financial year.
Following a Monbulk Community Planning Day and other consultation projects, the council identified the redevelopment of the Monbulk Community Centre as a higher priority.
Aquatic Centre members Louise McInnes and Rhonda Arber said the toilets and the showers desperately needed upgrading.
Ms McInnes said the gymnasium space was one of the big issues with members constantly having to wait to use the equipment during busy times.
Both Louise and Rhonda said that money spent on the gymnasium and fitness facilities in Monbulk would save the Government in the long run.
Ms Arber said the Government was always talking about issues of obesity and that money spent on the Aquatic Centre’s fitness facilities would go a long way towards reducing those concerns in the future.
She said it was also disappointing that the council had not informed the community of its plans to reallocate the funding.
Ms Rae said this latest funding development would not stop her using the facilities as she enjoys the atmosphere of the centre.
However, she said there needs to be something done to improve the toilets and the size of the gymnasium.
Ms Rae said the YMCA people running the Aquatic Centre are fantastic, lovely people and that it didn’t seem fair that they have to work under the conditions that the centre is currently in.
Mr Martin said the council would be undertaking a review of all its nine aquatic centres early next year.
He said the council would identify and priorities all centres for maintenance and upgrade needs.
Mr Martin said the aquatic centres that need major upgrades will be put on the council’s capital works programs.
New Chandler Ward councillor Graham Warren said he was not fully aware of the issues surrounding the centre and would look into the issue.