Parramatta MP Geoff Lee refutes Labor claims plans to rebuild Parramatta War Memorial Pool have been abandoned
Kylie Stevens
1 Sep 2016, 11:13 a.m.
On the move: Parramatta War Memorial Pool will close next March to make way for the Parramatta Stadium redevelopment. Picture: Geoff Jones
Speculation the state government has abandoned plans to rebuild Parramatta War Memorial Pool have been been described as nothing more than a Labor scare campaign.
State Granville MP Julia Finn and federal Parramatta MP Julie Owens came under the fire from state Parramatta MP Geoff Lee after the pair released a joint media release on Wednesday night to spark the rumours.
According to the pair, sports minister Stuart Ayres was quoted in budget estimates as saying “I don’t think that creates an obligation on the NSW government to fund the complete relocation of the pool.”
While they support the Parramatta Stadium upgrade, the pair called on the state government to include the rebuilding of the pool in the new plans.
No funding was allocated in the 2016/17 state budget failed to ensure Parramatta continues to have a swimming pool.
“The minister for sport’s words speaks volumes for the concerns of the Parramatta community,” Mr Owens said.
“The idea of a fair hearing for a community who have voiced their concerns for months has been wiped from the table.”
Ms Finn added:
“The Baird Government announced a big flashy plan for a stadium but continues to forget about the needs of the local community and the swimming club. 170,000 people swim at Parramatta Pool every summer. Today the Government confirmed they will not fund the relocation of Parramatta Pool. They need to put their money where their mouth is and provide certainty for the future of Parramatta Pool.”
Dr Lee told the
Sun their claims were incorrect.
“Julia Finn and Julie Owens should be ashamed for using the relocation of Parramatta Pool to scare the public,” he said.
“They say they want a new stadium but continue to fail to admit the pool needs to be moved. The NSW Government is committed to working with the City of Parramatta Council on the relocation of Parramatta Pool. Parramatta Golf Course has been identified as a potential site and a business case is underway to assess the viability of this option. We now have the opportunity to build a world-class aquatic centre in Parramatta’s CBD. A pool not just for the community today, but one that will meet our communities needs for the next 50 years. This is a unique opportunity to get it right the first time. We must choose the best location. Julia Finn and Julie Owens should stop playing politics and start doing their job – delivering for the community.”
http://www.parramattasun.com.au/story/4135599/war-of-words-over-parramatta-pool/
