The sudden and unexpected closure of Peakhurst West Pool has sparked widespread outrage among the St George community, with over 1,500 people signing a petition demanding its immediate reopening.
On Friday (December 6), the NSW Government announced that the Peakhurst West Community Pool would be closing. Community users of the pool were informed of this decision late on December 5.
The pool was built and paid for by the community in 1961. It has been a valuable community asset, with thousands of local children having learnt to swim at the pool over generations.
The closure of the pool has left families, swimmers, and community groups scrambling to find alternative facilities during the height of the season.
David Coleman, the Federal Member for Banks, has said that the decision to close the pool must be reversed immediately.
“To close the pool with one day’s notice shows a lack of respect for the many groups who rely upon the facility,” Mr Coleman said.
“The reasons provided by the Government for the closure of the pool are wholly inadequate. If the Government wanted to keep the pool open, it could.”
“This decision must be reversed, and the Peakhurst West community pool must be reopened.”