I, along with many residents of the Woden Valley, have been frequent users of our local 50-metre outdoor swimming pool. We consider it a vital resource for our health and wellbeing. Our community is deeply troubled by the proposed course of action to replace our beloved pool with densely packed high-rise apartments.

Our concerns extend beyond personal inconvenience. This plan, if executed, signifies a great loss for our community's recreation facilities. The concentration of development in the area threatens to increase traffic, strain our electricity grid, and contribute to congestion that would exacerbate existing climate change concerns.

Moreover, metropolitan cities across Australia, including Sydney and Melbourne, boast an average of 10 outdoor pools per city that cater to a diverse range of aquatic activities. Against this national standard, the loss of the Phillip pool would be a stark anomaly. This opens a question around equitable access to recreational facilities among Australia's urban populations.

Of paramount importance is that this plan is moot when current federal funding could be directed to match the aquatic facilities available in other Australian cities. The funding is there; we urge it be put to use for the wellbeing of South Canberra's residents and the sustainability of our environment over hasty urban development.

We implore relevant authorities to preserve the 50-metre outdoor pool at Phillip and abandon construction plans until a suitable replacement pool is provided for the community. Sign our petition to protect our beloved local pool and uphold the integrity of our community landscapes.