Bega Valley Shire Council closed the facility on January 20 after the discovery of a chemical leak.

Mayor Bill Taylor has assured residents the council is working towards the pool reopening in October, however he said “no other council resolution has been made regarding the long-term future of Bemboka pool other than a review of all the shire’s pools due in 2016 (BDN 7/2)”.

Organiser Helmut Eder said he was pleased at the turn out at Bemboka Memorial Hall and the many positive resolutions made by attendees.

“I was hoping maybe 20 people would come, but in the end 26 people came,” he said.

“It was a great response.”

Mr Eder said the first recommendation was to start a petition advocating Bemboka’s need for a public pool that will be presented to Bega Valley Shire Council.

“There are many people who couldn’t make the meeting, so it gives them and others the chance have a say about the pool,” he said.

Mr Eder said the group also wants to get the message across to BVSC the community wants to work with the council in a positive way to keep the pool open.

“We are starting a Friends of Bemboka Pool group,” he said.

“In the short term the group is about the October reopening, but it will be an ongoing group that wants to help council and work with them so the pool doesn’t close like this again.”

Mr Eder said the meeting also recommended a fundraiser to help contribute with the maintenance and repair of the pool.

“We are planning a fundraising for April or May, we are still working out the details, as well as a raffle for a Bemboka Pool season pass,” he said.

For more information about the Friends of Bemboka Pool, call Helmut Eder on 6493 0398.