Emma Pritchard

A petition requesting Clarence Valley councillors finalise a decision and commit in writing to build the Grafton Aquatic Centre (Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3), or begin the redevelopment of the site by replacing the 50m pool with the completion of remaining works to follow has received more than 947 signatures.

Organised by Karina Plunkett following a community gathering outside the Grafton Olympic Pool on August 31, the petition encouraged residents to “make some noise” and demonstrate their concerns to council one year after they announced the indefinite closure of the facility due to major safety concerns.

Speaking with the Clarence Valley Independent last week, Ms Plunkett said locals have had enough and are imploring councillors to make the right decision at the upcoming general meeting on September 26, and deliver the Grafton Aquatic Centre to the community.

“If councillors remain divided and they don’t vote on the tender, we could be looking at many more years before we have a pool in Grafton,” she said.

“That is completely unacceptable.

“There would have to be a re-tendering process, and possible redesigns and rearchitecting.

“How much more will the Grafton Aquatic Centre cost if council doesn’t go into debt now and make it happen?

“I started the petition because the community needs to make some noise and send a very strong message to council.

“We need a pool, and we will continue to fight for it.”

A Grafton mum who wished to remain anonymous said council should be ashamed and embarrassed by the situation.

“Our community has been without a pool, and most importantly without a 50m pool, for over a year,” she said.

“Our kids have missed out on swimming carnivals because the only nearby pool which is still open in South Grafton doesn’t have a 50m pool, it can only accommodate a limited number of swimmers, and it’s already overwhelmed by the crowds because they don’t have anywhere else to go.

“Why can’t a 50m pool be built before the rest of the Grafton Aquatic Centre?

“That’s what Grafton needs.”

At the community gathering last month, Cr Allison Whaites outlined the process of building the 50m pool first to attendees.

“You can’t just build a 50m pool and then build the rest of the complex around it because the site would be classified as a demolition zone, and you cannot allow people to access it,” she explained.

“Also, there would be no amenities, no seating areas available, and nowhere for people to buy food or drinks.

“That is why Stage 1 and Stage 2 need to be built together, and that is why the September general meeting will be so important.

“If we don’t fight for this, we risk losing it.”