A PORT councillor has argued that some of the Port's best swimmers could be disadvantaged if a plan by Port Stephens Council to shut the Tilligerry and Tomaree pools during winter goes ahead.
The concept to close the two pools comes from the council sustainability review into aquatic centres which states about $45,000 could be saved annually if the Tilligerry Aquatic Centre and the Tomaree Aquatic Centre were closed for 12 weeks during winter - the Lakeside pool would remain open all winter. But councillor Geoff Dingle has argued against the proposal saying the Tomaree swimming squad's 60 members, of which Taylor Corry who is the Port's own paralympian is a part of, will be disadvantaged. He said other options needed to be investigated and he was expected to push councillors to change the recommendation on Tuesday night.
"I do not support this move... council needs to proactively encourage an increase in winter swimming patronage by upgrading facilities including covered access to the pool, potential to convert the 50 metre pool to a 25 metres for the winter with an insert and part cover..." he wrote in a letter to the Examiner.