I read with some interest the frustration felt by the newly formed Tamworth Aquatic Group in dealing with the TRC in the article by Chris Bath.
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I believe it would be useful to document some of the similar frustrations felt by the previous TADAC group in dealing with previous councils. We started with similar enthusiasm and an expectation that the council would genuinely work with us to develop a heated pool in Tamworth.
We pulled together all the players that had an interest in the pools including the swim clubs, water polo, learn to swim, Aussie Masters and recreational swimmers and developed several plans with council. These all required some compromise and were agreed on by all the groups. We even raised considerable money to get things started and every time TRC pulled out and restarted a process.
Ultimately I came to the conclusion that TRC had no intention of proceeding with these plans and were just dangling a carrot in front of us so we did not make too much noise. To see the current major recently say that the reason they had not proceeded was because of a lack of agreement between the clubs was disingenuous and disappointing but not surprising. This is the type of tactic the new group will have to endure.
Ultimately Tamworth did get a heated pool without TRC or TADACs help. The facility at 360 was put up in 12 months at a fraction of the estimated costs that TRC had quoted. Fortunately this allowed the members of TADAC to withdraw gracefully from this charade.
I wish the new group more success but be aware that delay is just a tactic for inaction and integrity it seems is negotiable in some businesses.
Steve May
Tamworth