By MELISSA MEEHAN
Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Olinda’s community came out in force tonight to rally the Yarra Ranges Council to re-open their pool before summer.
There was standing room only at the Olinda Hall, and emotions were running high.
Community members had the chance to voice their concerns as councillors, and local politicians spoke on the issue.
Monbulk MP James Merlino kicked off proceedings with an election promise of $500,000 to redevelop the pool and construct a community playground.
The funding is dependent on whether the council commits to matching Mr Merlino’s promise and re-opening the Olinda Pool.
“This has gone on too long,” Mr Merlino told the crowd.
“The community has been calling for Olinda Pool to be saved, but neither the council or Denis Napthine has listened.”
Federal Latrobe MP Jason Wood said he hoped the pool would be saved, in any capacity the community wanted.
“I think you need a facility that can be used for 12 months of the year,” Mr Wood said.
“But whatever the community wants is what it should be.
“If the council supports this, I will get Federal funding for the project.”
Olinda resident Narelle Everard, who chaired the meeting, said she was sad that the community had to come together to fight the issue, but was blown away by the support of the community.
“We’ve filled the hall with people from our town and surrounding areas who want this pool to re-open,” she said.
“This shows the strength of the community.”
See full story in next week’s paper.
