Rockdale City Council promised a new aquatic and fitness centre at Bexley - the Rockdale City Aquatic Centre. The new centre was to be located at the old Bexley Pool site. The Council closed the old Bexley Pool in May 2014 to make way for the new centre. However, construction of the new centre is not going ahead, due to several Councillors not attending Council meetings.

The new Rockdale City Aquatic Centre would include:

- New 50m outdoor pool, also suitable for water polo

- Covered grandstand for main pool

- 25m indoor pool

- Indoor program pool

- Indoor leisure pool

- Gym

- Crèche

- Community space

- Café

There is enormous community support for the new Rockdale City Aquatic Centre. 96% of respondents supported it in Rockdale City Council's Community Feedback Report in 2012.

The new centre has also been endorsed by major aquatic bodies including Swimming NSW, Swimming Australia, Water Polo Australia, Royal Life Saving, Australia Water Safety Council, Austswim and Masters Swimming NSW. The NSW Department of Education's School Swimming Scheme has also voiced its support, along with dozens of schools throughout the St George area. More information can be found here.

Importantly, the Rockdale City Aquatic Centre will provide year round swimming lessons, unlike the old Bexley Pool. The new centre is desperately needed by the St George community.

But what has the community received? A CLOSED POOL! Bexley Pool is closed indefinitely and construction has not started on the Rockdale City Aquatic Centre.

WHY? Because 7 Rockdale Councillors have either walked out of or have not attended several Council meetings. This meant there was no quorum. Council could not function, as there were not enough Councillors in attendance. To date, Council has been left without a quorum on 3 September 2014, 8 September 2014, 11 September 2014, 17 September 2014, 1 October 2014 and 5 November 2014.

The construction contract for the new centre could not be signed and has now expired. Construction was meant to start in October 2014, after 6 years and $1.75 million spent by Council on plans, designs and studies.

Councillors, please listen to the community and fulfil your civic duties! Turn up to Council meetings and sign the construction contract for the Rockdale City Aquatic Centre!

It's time to build Bexley Pool!

Please sign this petition to send a clear message that elected local Councillors are expected to attend Council meetings and represent the community.