Kogarah War Memorial Pool will get a multi-million funding boost if a federal Labor Government is elected later this year.
Federal and state Labor candidates have pledged $5 million to upgrading the Carss Park pool in the first federal Labor budget.
Banks federal Labor candidate Chris Gambian said pool users would be consulted on various options including access ramps, gym upgrades, airconditioning, shade sails and general pool maintenance.
‘‘Carss Park Pool is a much-loved community resource and has helped produce some of Australia’s best swimmers,’’ Mr Gambian said.
Kogarah War Memorial Olympic Pool was opened in 1965 in historic Carss Bush Park.
For more than 50 years it has been a community focal point as well as a training ground for world champions.
Outstanding athletes who have trained at Carss Park since it opened in 1965 include Olympians Michelle Ford and Janelle Elford, marathon swimmer Susie Maroney, boxing legend Anthony Mundine and late footballer Lance Thompson.
Georges River Council Mayor, Kevin Greene, described Labor’s pledge as “a win for our community”.
‘‘I welcome this funding commitment to Kogarah War Memorial pool and thank Chris Gambian and Simon O’Brien for their representations on behalf of local residents,’’ Cr Greene said.
The pool is in Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s federal seat of Cook.
More than 5400 people have signed an online petition to save the pool.
“Of the thousands of boys and girls who have swum here over the past 50 years who are now mums and dads, many are still sending their kids – some even their grandkids – to learn how to swim or stay fit at this treasured old pool,” the petition reads.
“Thousands of school children attend their swimming carnivals here each year, and many swimming clubs, scuba diving schools and other groups use these facilities throughout the year.”
The pool lease was recently acquired by Georges River Council after celebrated swim coach Dick Caine retired.
A council report has presented five options for the future use of the site located on the waterfront at Kogarah Bay, with the preferred option an interim solution including the construction of a 140 space car park.
The council is conducting a feasibility study on aquatic facilities in conjunction with the Open Space, Recreation and Community Facilities Strategy and has already indicated it would look to build a smaller size pool as part of a new indoor facility at an alternative venue, possibly near Kogarah Jubilee Oval, rather than one of Olympic size.
Cr Greene said there currently was no proposal to close the pool.
‘‘Twenty-four schools use this pool as well as the swim squads — multiple generations have swum at this pool,’’ he said.
Kogarah state Labor MP Chris Minns and Oatley state Labor candidate Lucy Mannering have voiced their support for the pool’s redevelopment and upgrade.
