A new major community action group has been born as the result of residents' anger over Georges River Council's recent decisions to demolish Carss Park Pool and to build a regional aquatic centre on Todd Park.
Save Carss Park Pool Group and the Protect and Preserve Todd Park Association have joined forces as the 'Friends of Todd Park and Carss Park Pool', vowing to take the fight against the council's plan right up until the next elections in 2021.
"People are just fed up with being ignored for certain political agendas," Save Carss Park Pool Group's Elise Borg said.
"These decisions by council are about politics. It's not about the community. There's very few people in the community who think the demolition of Carss Park Pool and the investigation of Todd Park as a regional aquatic centre are a good idea."
To kick start their campaign, the 'Friends of Todd Park and Carss Park Pool' are rallying their communities to sign a pledge in support of the rebuilding of the 50-metre Carss Park Pool on its existing site, and the preservation of the parklands and playing fields at Todd Park.
Olympic Gold Medallist Michelle Ford, who trained at Carss Park Pool, will be the first person to sign the pledge.
"We hope to get many of the high profile athletes who trained at Carss Park Pool to sign the pledge," Ms Borg said.
Karina McDougall of the Protect and Preserve Todd Park Association said: "We have formed the 'Friends of Todd Park and Carss Park Pool' to show that both communities are united in our opposition to Council's aquatic centre plans.
"Todd Park belongs to the community. It provides much needed greenspace, playing fields and a bike track.
"Our local facilities should not be destroyed to make way for a massive new swimming centre when the community have made it clear they want the pool rebuilt at its existing site," Ms McDougall said.
Elise Borg described the decision to demolish Carss Park Pool is a complete betrayal of the thousands of ratepayers who want to see the facility restored and preserved for future generations.
"The community message to the council is clear - we want a pool, but we want it on the current site," Ms Borg said.
"Carss Park Pool is listed as a War Memorial and its demolition is opposed by the members of the Returned Services League (RSL).
"It is the training ground of 17 World Champions as well as three generations of local swimmers. Todd Park is the home of the Kogarah Cougars Junior Rugby League Football Club and is used by junior cricket teams throughout the summer.
"This is not finalised. The community is not giving up.
"A major new community action group has been born out of the poor decision of council."
To sign the pledge go to: