Rivals pool support
Surf Coast aquatic centre an election issue
SURF C o a s t C o u n c i l candidates have been quick off the blocks to get behind a proposed swimming pool in Torquay.
The push for a pool in Torquay has a long history; the first campaign group formed in 1971.
But now that the campaign’s momentum is growing, candidates are apparently realising the Surf Coast Aquatic Centre could help get them get a seat on council.
However, the council’s new ward structure could set up a tug of war: Anglesea, Lorne and Winchelsea candidates are advocating a less Torquay- centric approach, proposing better funding of sport and recreational centres in smaller towns.
Anglesea candidate Cr Libby Coker told a a public forum last week that Anglesea and Aireys Inlet residents had called for a Surf Coast pool in their area.
But some candidates have lamented that the aquatic cen- tre would likely go to the area with the larger population.
Questioned in a survey last week, seven of the 11 Torquay ward candidates listed the pool as a top priority.
Winchelsea’s Keith Grossman, Ron Humphrey and Heather Wellington also expressed support, according to a letter from the Surf Coast Aquatic Leisure Centre Action Group.
The action group’s vicepresident, Peter Currie, said Torquay was the biggest regional town in Australia without a swimming pool.
He hopes the election result will change that.
‘‘ The aquatic centre certainly seems to be the major issue of the election,’’ Mr Currie said.
‘‘I won’t name names but some c a n d i d a t e s have become more enthusiastic about an aquatic centre than what they were,’’ he said.
‘ ‘ T h e y h a v e n ’ t made promises yet, but the support has been very strong,’’ Mr Currie said. MEANWHILE, a public forum will be held tomorrow night for Torquay ward council candidates.
Held at Torquay’s Senior Citizens rooms from 8pm, the event will also be the launchpad for a new residents and ratepayers association.
Candidates will get five minutes to address the forum, followed by a 30-minute question time.