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With Sydney Olympics Water Polo Gold Medallists Bronwyn Smith and Taryn Woods[/caption]
At today’s community rally to save Dawn Fraser Pool I announced that an elected Federal Labor Government would commit $2 million to restore one of Australia’s oldest swimming pools and most precious heritage assets.
Dawn Fraser Pool is loved by many Australians, but without an urgent heritage restoration we may see the doors of our famous Baths closed forever.
Federal Labor’s $2 million commitment, in addition to the $4.5 million already dedicated by the Inner West Council and the $1 million announced today by the NSW Labor Opposition will provide the funds needed for a full refurbishment of the Baths.
In 2016 at the Federal Election I stood with the community and committed funding towards the renovation of the Baths.
Subsequently, the Inner West Council has completed a Master Plan for the Pool that identified urgent works needed to make the facility safe and accessible for the public and sporting clubs.
Works that will be delivered in the upgrade include:
• Raising the boardwalk, South Pavilion and Central Pavilion to overcome sea level rises
• Installing Water Polo lighting so that the UTS Balmain Tigers Water Polo Club can continue to play at their historic home
• Reconstruction of the South and Central Pavilions
• New bathroom and change rooms on ground floor
• Storm water upgrades
• Refurbishment of the piers
Our increased funding commitment is in recognition of how precious Dawn Fraser Pool is and its value to the community.
For more than 130 years children have learned to swim at these baths.
The Balmain Water Polo and Swimming clubs, who also call the Baths home, have produced multiple Australian representatives and Olympic gold medallists.
It’s time to make sure that this proud history is carried on at Dawn Fraser Pool for another century to come.
SATURDAY, 13 OCTOBER, 2018