After last Thursday’s community consultation meeting Ashley Wright from the Canowindra Pool Action Group (CPAG) said she was “very disappointed” consultants Lantz Marshall would not assess the pool’s structural integrity while preparing the long-term plan.

She believed it would be “very difficult” for the project to move forward if the group did not know the structural condition of the pool.

In an interview with the Canowindra News, Mr Staples said there had been some “confusion” in regard to the preparation of a structural report for the pool.

“I was under the impression that a structural assessment wasn’t required,” he said.

After speaking to Joe Lantz from Lantz Marshall the council will now organise for a report to be completed by an Orange-based engineering company as recommended by Mr Lantz.

Mr Staples said the long-term plan from Lantz Marshall will tell the council “far more” about the pool and its future than a structural report alone could.

Speaking after the meeting, Cabonne councillor Anthony Durkin agreed that a structural report was an essential part of the long-term plan.

“My understanding is that this is what the town wants so we can get a much clearer idea of the use of the pool, the future direction and what’s required,” he said.

Joe Lantz from Lantz Marshall said the structural condition of the pool site will have an impact on the long-term plan. “It [the pool’s condition] will dictate what we can do,” he said. “It’s important to determine the life expectancy.”

For related articles on the pool, please see the print edition of this week’s Canowindra News.