Overview
Constructed in the 1880s, Balmain's Dawn Fraser Baths is the oldest pool in Australia. But it's in danger of closing as the pool requires millions of dollars in urgent repairs.
The Inner West Council says the outdoor pool — which was renamed after local Olympian Dawn Fraser in the 60s — needs approximately $6.7 million in repairs, which include the raising of the boardwalk and pavilions to overcome rising sea levels, storm water upgrades and new bathroom and change rooms. These upgrades are all part of a ten-year draft master plan outlined by the Council.
A standoff between councillors, however, has left the Council $2.2 million short. Without the extra funding, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne says the renovations will not go ahead and the pool could close in the 'immediate future'.
Liberal and Greens councillors voted against further funding for the pool, with Greens Councillor Rochelle Porteous telling the Sydney Morning Herald that the pool's disintegration was due to climate change — an issue that the state government should be dealing with.
"Local councils will be increasingly facing these kind of costs as not just our pools and recreational infrastructure in low-lying areas and on the coast are inundated more severely on a more regular basis, but also our roads, sewerage systems and utilities infrastructure" Cr Porteous told the SMH. "This requires resources which are beyond the capacity of all local councils and the state government needs to step up."
At the moment, the Inner West Council has not acquired the extra money it needs to save the baths, and is hosting a rally to save the pool this Saturday, October 13. The Defend Dawny's rally will take place at Elkington Park from 11am–12pm and is headed up by Cr Byrne. So far, almost 2000 people have registered their interest in the event.
Find the Dawn Fraser Baths at Elkington Park, Balmain. It's currently open from 7.15am–6.30pm daily, but hours change seasonally and can be checked here.
Image: Destination NSW.