Denmark council votes to hold special August meeting to decide next steps for indoor aquatic facility project

Shire of Denmark council voted on Tuesday night to hold a special meeting on August 12 to decide the next steps for a town pool, with the community turning out in force to show their support for the motion. More than a hundred pool advocates attended Denmark’s council chambers as Cr Jan Lewis moved for the council to hold a special meeting to table financial modelling and plans for an indoor heated pool complex. The meeting, set to be held in two weeks, will also discuss plans for a poll to be held in conjunction with the local government election in October. “Demonstrated by the strong community to turn out of community members here today, there is a clear desire to better understand the proposal and its financial implications, so I urge all councillors to support this motion so that we can move forward transparently and decisively,” Cr Lewis said in the opening council debate. The Denmark Aquatic Centre Committee Incorporated has been an outspoken advocate in the community to get plans for a pool off the ground with council. Members of the committee and the public have spoken during public question time to support the motion. DACCI vice-president Chris Timms spoke about his experience as a former competitive swimmer, surf lifesaver, and now parent to young children, and the benefits to the community, particularly Denmark’s youth, of having an indoor pool in the town. “Looking around this afternoon it’s clear we have a passionate community who want a pool,” he said, gesturing to the packed council chambers behind the lectern. “This is a big, important decision, it should proceed to the next stage so we can look at it in detail.” Mr Timms left the lectern to rapturous applause, and the excited audience had to be reminded multiple times throughout the meeting not to clap for speakers in council. Fellow DACCI member Aletia Artemis argued a local pool would improve water safety for Denmark children, and improve accessibility to swimming lessons for local families. She said the members of DACCI wanted to share the financial plans for the pool and “let the community have a voice”. Cr Aaron Wiggins spoke passionately against the motion, pointing out the significant and ongoing financial impacts of building a pool. “We want a pool, we can’t afford a pool,” he said, a summary of his objections to progressing the project through council. Shire president Kingsley Gibson was one of the last to speak, and echoed Cr Lewis’ arguments about the need for transparency in council decision-making. The motion was passed 8-1, with only Cr Wiggins voting against.