Georges River Council’s remediation of the Kogarah War Memorial Pool site is set to begin soon, the Council announced today.
Late last year, the Council resolved that Carrs Park is the preferred site for a future third aquatic facility in the local government area.
Kogarah War Memorial Pool – commonly known as Carrs Park Pool – is currently closed due to contamination.
“As part of the long-term project towards a new aquatic facility, remediation works of the site are starting soon,” Council said today.
“The remediation works will be a great enhancement; the site has been fenced and closed since July 2019 due to environmental contamination as chlorinated water was leaking into the Georges River.”
Works are set to begin in March/April 2023.
Council says independent aquatic facility engineers assessed the existing pool to determine that it was not feasible to repair or upgrade due to the existing structures having reached the end of their serviceable life.
Now the immediate focus is on the remediation of the site to eliminate current safety risks and open it up again for community use as soon as possible.
“The establishment of a new aquatic facility is a long-term process. I encourage the community to be patient while Council begins this journey, starting with the demolition of the old pool, which was causing so much damage to the local environment, and the remediation of the site so that the public can use the open area,” said Georges River Mayor, Cr Nick Katris.
“Let’s keep in mind that these are the first steps towards a brand-new aquatic centre. But in the meantime, it’s important that the community can use a landscaped, green space that is accessible, enjoyable, and beautiful.”
The works are expected to take approximately 18 months to complete. Remediation of the site will include the following key elements:
- Demolition of the existing pool complex and all supporting infrastructure (excluding the existing asphalt car park);
- Removal of contaminated trees and vegetation;
- Remediation to clean the site;
- Earthworks to level the site;
- Installation of a new replacement irrigation tank; and
- Landscaping to use for open space purposes, including paths, seating, picnic shelters and a possible memorial wall.
Excavation is required to remove contaminated material and place a cap of clean fill and topsoil over the existing tainted material. To follow, landscaping will feature canopy trees including two Port Jackson Figs and a grove of eight Tuckeroos; Coastal Banksia, Old Man Banksia and native shrub planting, grasses and ground covers.
During remediation works, the existing asphalt car park will be temporarily closed to the public for an estimated 12 months due to public health and safety risks. It will be used as part of the development zone to allow necessary site access. To minimise parking issues to the community, a temporary car park will be provided on Carlton Crescent, with a signal control system installed at this time to enable the safe and expanded use of the Carss Bush Park Hill carpark. Parking located at the end of Carwar Avenue, adjacent to the Carss Park Life Saving Hall, will remain open where possible during the works.
Council says it will regularly communicate with stakeholders and the broader community about the project. This will include site signage, letters to surrounding residents and stakeholder groups, and a public notice on Council’s website.
For a more detailed history and continuing updates of the site, visit Council’s website with dedicated information about Kogarah War Memorial Pool.
