By MELISSA MEEHAN
Campaigner returns after 50 years to save pool…
HE’S saved the Olinda Pool before and resident John Faull is adamant he can do it again.
This week the Yarra Ranges Council confirmed that the Olinda Pool would be closed permanently following the discovery of major cracks and leaks that have rendered the pool irreparable.
But Mr Faull, who was part of fundraising to get the pool back in the early 1960s, says it’s an important part of the community that should not be lost.
“They are saying the decision revolves around the cracks – but the truth is that the pool isn’t used enough,” he said.
“But they close it on days of Total Fire Ban.
“Without any consultation from the community, it’s a decision made by council officers in Lilydale with no understanding of the area or the potential, or lack of, fire risk.
“Those days are the ones that people want to be using the pool.”
Mr Faull, a firefighter for more than 50 years, said the pool was built with funds raised by the community for the community – but was also purpose built so that there was a static water point in case of fire.
“I helped raise the money and it was for local families,” he said.
“They’ve tried to close it before, and we stopped it and I hope we can do it again.”
He questioned why the pool had been allowed to fall into such disrepair.
“Why should the people of Olinda suffer because they haven’t looked after council infrastructure?” he said.
“It’s a disgrace it’s been left like this for so long.”
Yarra Ranges Council director of environment and engineering Mark Varmalis said the council had always recommended that the Olinda Pool was closed once the Monbulk Aquatic Centre was redeveloped and opened.
“The Olinda Pool has the lowest visitation rates of any pool in the municipality,” Mr Varmalis said.
“Visits in 2010/11 and 2011/2012 were 975 and 1242 respectively.
“Due to the pool being located within a Bushfire Prone Zone, as identified by the State Government Royal Commission, the pool is not available on Total Fire Ban days, when people typically seek to access pools.”
Mr Varmalis said the site would continue to be used by the CFA to access water for fire fighting and that the council was discussing arrangements with the Olinda CFA.
He said a feasibility study for the future of the site will be undertaken once the Fire Commissioners Office completes its Fire Response Landscape Plan for the Dandenong Ranges.
Those who want to get together and try to save the Olinda Pool again are encouraged to call Mr Faul on 0427 371 344.
We’d also love to know your thoughts on the issue, send an email to editor@yvnews.com.au.
