The results of technical investigations of Todd Park, Blakehurst for its feasibility as a proposed new aquatic centre are expected by October or November.
Councillor Kathryn Landsberry asked Georges River Council to advise the status of the detailed technical investigations on the suitability of the site.
She was advised that the successful contractor was appointed in July 2020 and work has commenced in consultation with the relevant authorities and agencies, including detailed geotechnical investigations, traffic impact study and traffic management plan, civil works review, local flood study, heritage study, arboriculture study and a sports and recreation review.
Depending on the weather, investigations are anticipated to be finalised in the second quarter of the financial year.
But Councillor Landsberry cast doubts on the suitability of the site after speaking to an engineer involved in the construction of the original Carss Park pool.
"I spoke to a resident who happened to be an engineer on Kogarah Council back in the days that the pool at Carss Park was constructed," Councillor Landsberry told last night's council meeting.
"It was interesting to hear some of the history from his perspective as from someone who was there.
"He said he felt from his experience that a lot of the problems that had been highlighted at the existing site at Carss Park are going to be replicated over at Todd Park.
"It was built on landfill which was formerly a swamp.
"We await with great interest the outcome of the technical investigations (of Todd Park) which might make it October or November that we might have some information.
"But in the meanwhile with what is happening currently, open space is at a premium during COVID.
"You won't find a park in our LGA that is not well-used every single day if not all day.
"Our area has increased in density. A lot of people don't have a backyard anymore. They have very limited private space. They need to get outside.
"We identified a couple of years ago that we are 7-ha short of what we require for open space in our LGA.
"Todd Park contributes to that and that, including the car park, is 4.5-ha. About one-ha of that is the car park.
"That open space is critical to our community and not to be built on as an aquatic centre.
"We cannot as custodians of open spaces and parklands be aiming decisions to remove these from the community.
"We have a perfectly good existing site at Carss Park and we have a perfectly good sports field, bike track and grassy field at Todd Park.
"Once the technical report comes back, potentially not as favourable as some people had hoped, then we can overturn this decision.
"I just hope the Carss Park Pool has not been demolished at that stage."
