Nicole Lennon (left), Claire Ridley, Amy Levinson and Lyn Campbell are among swimmers calling for a rethink by the council. Picture by Murray Trembath

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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POINTLESS PLAN

I have throughout my life swum laps at the beautiful ocean pool at Shelly. It is one of only five ocean pools listed by the National Trust.

There are various local swimming groups as well as thousands of visitors who rely on the pool for fitness, camaraderie and good health.

It has a diversity of marine life and a self-cleaning natural flushing system. Now, the Council is set to close the pool for up to two years for the purpose of building a gigantic ramp 40 metres long, more than 2 metres wide and about 2.5 metres high at the shore end.

I can say that there is almost complete unanimity among the swimming fraternity in opposing this pointless and destructive plan.

The enormous structure will completely change the dynamics of the pool, reduce its width and likely cause erosion of the beach.

All of the established marine life will be killed by the draining of the pool. It is said that the ramp is necessary for people with a disability.

The main disability services provider who participated in the consultations said that they preferred beach or zero depth access, rather than the deep water access provided by the Council's plan. Indeed the plan puts persons with disability into not only the deepest part, but also the most turbulent part of the pool.

Large waves are known to strike this north-eastern corner...so the dangers are obvious.

I support improvements in accessibility while preserving the beauty, integrity and unique biology of Shelly Pool.

Council should reconsider their plans with a view to preserving this National Trust asset for future generations.

Greg Melrose, Cronulla

DAILY USERS DISREGARDED

Is amazing to see inclusivity being prioritised within the Shire, but it's also deeply saddening to see the needs of the locals who use these facilities on a daily basis being completely disregarded.

Amy Levinson

MAJOR MISGIVINGS

I have been an all-season swimmer at Shelly Beach rock pool since the late 1980s, and have expressed my concerns on the Draft Plan for the Shelly Beach facilities, both at site meetings, and in written form.

As a daily swimmer, I have had the opportunity to hear the views of most regulars, who collectively have a wealth of experience, not only in the dynamics of this pool, but across a wide range of professions.

There is support for updating the facilities at both locations, but there are major misgivings about the detail. Hence, we are astonished at the pronouncement there is majority community support for the Draft Plan.

The project team's 60 per cent support claim, means either, we have not been listened to, or, for whatever reason, the concerns we expressed were misinterpreted. For any who perceive our representations to the Council as resistance to change, I can assure this is not the case. All agree the toilet facilities are tired and all support providing for the physically challenged, but there is not the same enthusiasm for achieving this by the Draft Plan.

Should the Draft Plan for Shelly be adopted unchanged, the aspirations of the physically challenged will not be met, the experience for the able-bodied will be significantly impaired, and extraordinary dynamics of this unique facility will be lost.

P. Sean Kelly, Grays Point

LOSS OF 'THE SHED'

Following from the recent Leader article on proposed changes to Shelley Beach pool, I also want to express my concern and sadness.

Although public meetings were held, it seems obvious that council already had plans in place and took no notice of feedback from swimmers, many of whom swim in the pool daily and have done for decades.

Their feedback re waves being more dangerous on the right side of the pool and the obvious buildup of sand after heavy seas has been ignored.

My sadness relates to the building commonly referred to as 'The Shed'. The social and community value of this meeting place is a very important part of many people's lives, especially retirees who meet there daily.

We are to lose this hub after 100 years. How sad. Is it not possible to build wheelchair facilities in a new building next to the shed rather than the current plan?

I'm sure we all support the need for wheelchair accessible space. My question is why can't we have that AND the shed as is at Shelley Park?

Jan Wernej

it is now one year since Karimbla Community Restaurant at Miranda was closed down.

Karimbla Community Restaurant had provided a wonderful amenity to the local area in terms of restaurant meals. takeaway frozen meals and as a meeting place for groups.

it is very dismaying to see the buildings which previously offered these services now sitting vacant. The need is still there.

Frances Macdonald, Miranda

ENGADINE MUSICAL SOCIETY

I have seen professional shows in New Zealand, London, the US, and Australia, but I have never been been so emotionally amazed at the Engadine Musical Society's production of Les Miserables.

Amateur doesn't even come into it - everyone was so professional. Engadine, you should be so proud.

Rex Campbell, Oatley

E-BIKE 'BRATS'

I had an experience with a group of eight e-bike riders on April 26 just on dark. They were outside my house, calling out my name and taking photos of me.

The only one that would have known my name is a resident's child whom I have known all of this child's life.

I didn't react to these insolent children, who are absolute brats and think they aren't responsible for their actions, but they are. It's about time their parents take control and teach them respect and how to act when out in public.

Irene Anderson, Kurnell

HAVE YOUR SAY; leaderletters@theleader.com.au