Emma Pritchard

In front of a large crowd who gathered outside the closed gates of the Grafton Olympic Pool on September 15, local resident Karina Plunkett once again took the opportunity to urge all Clarence Valley councillors to finalise a decision and commit to delivering the Grafton Aquatic Centre while presenting Councillors Karen Toms and Allison Whaites with her most recent petition containing 1421 signatures from community members in support of the much longed for project.

Describing herself as emotionally frustrated on many levels as Grafton prepares to face a second straight summer without a pool, Ms Plunkett said she remains hopeful the number of signatures on her petition will send a strong message to Clarence Valley Council (CVC).

“We will continue to fight until we have a pool in Grafton,” she said.

“This is what our community wants and needs.

“We want councillors to make the right decision at the next meeting, vote on the tender, and deliver this project.”

Cr Whaites, who remains extremely vocal in her commitment to ensuring the Grafton Aquatic Centre is delivered, said 1421 signatures is an outstanding accomplishment, and one of the highest numbers CVC has ever received.

Cr Whaites went on to say, “This (petition) shows how much our community wants councillors to not renege on their resolutions and approve a tender during the September 26 meeting,” she said.

“Our role is to supply facilities and services to our community.

“The Grafton Aquatic Centre is a service that will support our whole community on every level, from swimming clubs, learn to swim groups, health and wellbeing needs, and it will also provide a fun day out for families.

“We (councillors) need to vote on a tender at our next meeting, so our community finally have a safe and inclusive facility for all to enjoy.”

A further petition organised by Ms Plunkett in support of the Grafton Aquatic Centre is available online at www.change.org and will be accepting signatures until September 25.