Thursday 21 March 2013

Time to have your say on pool future


At last the pool referendum documents have been posted to ratepayers.

Both ratepayers and tenants need to be clear that Council seeks guidance on two questions.  First, it seeks your permission to invest a fixed amount each year into the existing Aquatic Facility Development Fund that is quarantined for pool use only.  This annual investment needs to be sizeable if it is to attract support from State and Federal agencies.  But it is a fixed dollar amount each year until the pool is built.  At $535k, it is equivalent to 11.45% of the current rates, but if rate increases follow trend, the percentage would be halved in ten years.

Once the pool becomes operational, the annual investment would become a subsidy to cover the gap between operating revenue and operating expenses.  DACCI’s modelling, backed by professional assessment of energy options, indicates that the subsidy should be considerably smaller than the sum needed in the initial investment stage.  Just how much smaller depends largely on patronage but we can see at least $70k savings in energy costs alone (Council’s numbers do not yet take this into account).  
These two propositions –the first to save, the second to support – are the core of the referendum.  But obviously, only one question needs to be asked – do you or do you not support a special rate increase for the pool. 

If you have not received a ballot paper, you still have a role.  If you support this visionary project you should let your landlord know.  You can also contact State and Federal politicians to help create momentum for funding.  Your letter will count.

WA Senator Dean Smith emphasised this point during a recent meeting with DACCI.   He is conversant with all the benefits a pool can bring to a community and is supportive of our resolve to apply for Federal funding.  We will meet with him again later this month.

Ray Colyer, the Liberal Party candidate for the State seat of Warren Blackwood has also met with the DACCI committee.  As mayor of Augusta Margaret River he has first hand experience of community pool operation.   He made the point that pools should be seen as community service obligations that Councils should strive to fulfil.

DACCI encourages ratepayers to have their say by voting in the Referendum, and all other residents to make their views known to their councillors and political representatives. 

Local architects, working with award winning and experienced pool designers, have offered a flowing contemporary building incorporating best practice environmentally sensitive design.  If realised, it will cater for community needs into the foreseeable future.  What’s more, when it does need to be replaced, our financial model provides a head start for the community of the day: it will have a reserve fund with a healthy balance of half the anticipated replacement cost.

For yourself, your children, your grandchildren and for your community, vote YES!

Cyril Edwards
Vice President, DACCI

No comments:

Post a Comment