Tamworth Council has been accused of continuously ignoring public sentiment in relation to the aquatic proposal, however council claims that over three quarters of survey respondents are in favour of selling off both existing facilities.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Local accountant and Save The Pools committee member Stephen Maher is concerned that TRC is “rushing in to the proposal without adequate consultation”.
The third council survey, which is open until the end of the month, is the first that has actually asked the community about the decision to sell the existing pools.
“So far the surveys have only been used to bolster council’s stand, rather than consider what the greater public actually want,” Mr Maher said.
“There is a whole lot of questions in regards to the way decisions have already been made – the process has not been adequate and the fact that council are not listening to any constructive comments is worrying.”
A council spokesperson disagreed, saying that of the 1700 respondents, 77 per cent are “in support of the development of a new aquatic and leisure facility in Tamworth”.
“Of the 23 per cent who do not support a new facility it would be reasonable to say that many do not object to a new facility, they just don’t support the sale of both pools to accomplish this,” the spokesperson said.
“There is also some objection to the additional travel time perceived to get to the Northern Inland Centre for Sporting Excellence.”
Mr Maher and the STP committee also fall into that category. They too support the development of a new facility, but are concerned council is “ignoring constructive comments” from the public in regards to the planning and proposed sale.
“They have consulted with the competitive swimming community (TAG), of which there are around 600 people, but TAG are not representative of the 41,000 in the Tamworth community who will be paying for this facility,” he said.
“There has been no real or meaningful consultation with the general community who also use the pools – they haven’t been considered in the decision to sell the pools.”
Mr Maher is one of several community members who penned a formal submission to council outlining nine key concerns in regards to the proposal in early October.
Council has not responded to, “or even acknowledged” that submission.
“The fact they are not listening to any constructive comments is really worrying,” Mr Maher said.
“I think the opportunity to get commitments from the state and federal governments with elections coming up is driving their haste, but they have missed major steps in consultation.”
Council, however refute that, claiming that it “has held public feedback sessions in Manilla, Barraba, Nundle, Attunga, Limbri, Somerton and Tamworth Shopping World.
“The most important message that we have for the community is to be sure you engage in this discussion and have your say,” the spokesperson said.
