Emma Pritchard
Clarence Valley Council (CVC) have confirmed the reopening of the Grafton Olympic Pool has been postponed due to major safety concerns.
An on-site inspection by council staff in July revealed significant subsidence has occurred between the diving pool and the 50m pool, resulting in substantial issues surrounding the structural adequacy of the 63-year-old facility.
Speaking with the Clarence Valley Independent earlier this month, Director of Open Spaces and Facilities Peter Birch said it was not safe for the pool to be reopened to the public while the strength of the site is compromised.
CVC General Manager Laura Black said following the pools closure at the start of the winter period in April, a maintenance inspection was undertaken in June towards the end of the financial year, prior to the new budget being determined.
When staff returned a month later, they noticed a “visible movement” had recently occurred, and it was recommended at an August workshop that the scheduled reopening of the pool on September 17 be delayed while investigations are ongoing.
“In the meantime, the pool remains closed for safety reasons,” she explained.
While a report containing further information regarding the subsidence had not been released at the time of publication, Ms Black confirmed it will be available at the September 27 meeting, where council will determine the next steps to be taken.
Ms Black said plans for the Grafton Aquatic Centre and redevelopment of the site remain on the agenda, and while council has previously been unsuccessful in acquiring the estimated $15 million to enable the project to proceed, she confirmed options to deliver the best possible outcome for the local community will be discussed at length during next week’s meeting.
In response to community concerns, Councillor Karen Toms said the Grafton Olympic Pool is not permanently closed, and the Maclean Olympic Pool and Grafton Lifestyle Centre remain open to the public while the safety concerns are addressed.
Vice President of the Grafton District Services Club (GDSC) Swimming Club Steve Donnelly revealed he was absolutely shattered when he learned the Grafton Olympic Pool would not be opening on time this year and described it as a lost asset to the community.
“There are lots of sporting events such as school, zone and regional carnivals which will not be able to go ahead, and they’re all economic losses for Grafton” he said.
A Clarence Valley resident who did not wish to be identified said they were left feeling frustrated following the announcement.
“The Maclean and South Grafton pools can’t accommodate everyone during summer, and they don’t have the facilities to host big sporting carnivals either,” they said.
“Not every person has the means to travel back and forth to use those pools either.
“Grafton needs a pool.”
Council advised they will work with the local community to minimise disruptions as a result of the postponed reopening of the Grafton Olympic Pool, and said the safety of the community remains priority.