Pool’s future to be simplified

Dandenong Oasis is nearing the end of its effective life.

By Casey Neill

A lengthy survey on the Dandenong Oasis pool’s future will be slashed back to two questions.
Greater Dandenong councillor Maria Sampey suggested the change at the Monday 23 October council meeting.
The aquatic centre is reaching the end of its effective life and the council is planning a new and improved centre.
It released a survey to guide the way forward, but Cr Sampey said it was too long and complicated.
Cr Sampey’s successful motion asked that the council create an additional “very short, plain English two-question online and paper survey”.
She said the first question should ask whether they preferred the new centre being located in the current Cleeland Street site, at Cheltenham Road next to Dandenong Railway Station, at Greaves Reserve, in Clow Street next to Dandenong Market, or another location.
The second question will ask what features the pool should have.
Cr Sampey said that members of an Italian group meeting at the Jan Wilson Centre in Dandenong North told her that they didn’t know what the form was about.
“They asked me to help them to fill it in,” she said.
She said there were many people in Greater Dandenong with limited English.
“We need to reach the community,” she said.
Community services director Martin Fidler said about 500 people had already filled in the survey.
Residents can visit greaterdandenong.com to take part in the online survey, email feedback to communityconsultation@cgd.vic.gov.au or call 8571 1000.
Hard copy surveys will also be available from the council’s customer service centres, Greater Dandenong Libraries, Dandenong Oasis, Noble Park Aquatic Centre and Springers Leisure Centre.