The Story So Far

Kogarah War Memorial Olympic Pool was opened in 1965 in historic Carss Bush Park and is a memorial pool to acknowledge and remember those brave people who died for their country. For over 50 years it has been a community focal point as well as a training ground for world champions.

Georges River Council are proposing to demolish this local monument and iconic fitness venue and turn it into a car park. It MUST be saved – as a sign of respect to those fallen heroes and to allow future generations to enjoy and learn why it is such a valued venue and amenity.

Of the thousands of boys and girls who have swum here over the past 50 years who are now mums and dads, many are still sending their kids – some even their grandkids – to learn how to swim or stay fit at this treasured old pool. 17 Olympic, World and Australian champions including Michelle Ford, Susie Maroney and Anthony Mundine have all trained here. Last year, in 2017, Carss Park Swim Club won six medals at the State Age Championships including 3 gold, as well as gold medals at the State Open Water and Surf Championships. Thousands of school children attend their swimming carnivals here each year, and many swimming clubs, scuba diving schools and other groups use these facilities throughout the year.

A Georges River Council report has recommended the pool’s demolition at the end of the 2018/19 summer season. The report presented four options for the future use of this beautiful site located on the waterfront at Kogarah Bay, with the preferred option an interim solution including the construction of a 140 space car park. The council will be conducting a feasibility study on aquatic facilities in conjunction with the Open Space, Recreation and Community Facilities Strategy and has already indicated it would look to build a smaller size pool as part of a new indoor facility at an alternative venue, rather than one of Olympic size.

On 26th November 2018, the Georges River Council approved that the draft Open Space, Recreation and Community Facilities Strategy be placed on public exhibition. This consultation period is now underway, from 3 December 2018 to 7 April 2019* to facilitate extensive community consultation.

https://yoursay.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/your-input-needed-open-space-recreation-and-community-facilities-strategy

During the public exhibition period, the Council will also undertake further consultation with adjoining councils, the NSW Department of Education, key local sporting associations and other stakeholders to seek feedback on the draft strategy.

A further report will then be submitted to Council on feedback from any public submissions made during the exhibition period, together with any recommended changes to the draft strategy prior to adoption.

Your feedback during the public exhibition period is VITAL.
Please write your comments here;
https://yoursay.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/your-input-needed-open-space-recreation-and-community-facilities-strategy

Details regarding how to best do this will be made available during the consultation period by our team to those who have subscribed to get updates from us, or who follow our pages.

Thanks again to everyone for your support. The Council is definitely becoming aware of how important Carss Park Pool is to the Community.

You can also sign this petition urging Georges River Council to upgrade Carss Park Memorial Pool and KEEP IT OPEN so future generations can enjoy this important community asset.

*Submission date changed to Sunday 7th April 2019 (previously was 1st March)