Ballarat councillors vowed they were in the process of re-investigating all information provided to them before the decision to close the pool at a council meeting on August 27.

The decision has been shrouded with controversy.

The Black Hill Community Progress Association alleges the city is withholding vital information from the public, including a report conducted by engineers at TGM Group in Ballarat.

The group completed an independent study which outlined a number of discrepancies in the city’s budgeted costs for maintaining and running the pool.

Among the inconsistencies in the council officer’s report was a significant increase in opening hours and staff working at the pool compared to previous years.

A spokesman for TGM Group confirmed that from September last year to January this year, the council engaged engineers from the group to estimate the costings and design of a sewer main extension at the site.

When The Courier questioned councillors on whether they had viewed the specific outcomes of this process before the August 27 meeting, none could recall the particulars of the  TGM Group report.

Cr Des Hudson said all councillors were given an extensive package of information on the pool by officers before the August 27 meeting.

“Rather than refuting, it’s about providing evidence that suggests there are alternatives,” Cr Hudson said. “I am in the process of going back and refreshing my mind on all of the details, evidence and information that has been provided on the pool, as well as examining the report completed by residents.”

Cr Samantha McIntosh said it was paramount the council gave fair consideration to the association’s alternative report.

“As a council, we need to be understanding of the community evaluation of repairs, question all the information there in front of us and evaluate what is in the best interests of the whole community.” 

Neither Cr Peter Innes nor mayor John Philips could recall the exact report, but pledged to examine thoroughly all the information provided by council officers, as well as the association. 

"We need to work together with the community to reopen the space inline with our aquatic strategy,” Cr Innes said. 

Cr Belinda Coates also said she was re-examining the report for evidence of the work conducted by TGM Group. A Save Black Hill community page created on Facebook in recent weeks already has almost 2700 likes. 

A petition circulating Black Hill opposing the council’s decision to close the pool has more than 1700 signatures.

All councillors, with the exception of Peter Innes and Belinda Coates voted to close the pool. 

Cr Samantha McIntosh was on a council trip China at the time of the meeting but has since said if she had attended she would have voted to keep the pool open. 

Councillors Vicki Coltman, Amy Johnson and Glen Crompton could not be reached for comment before The Courier went to print.

Councillor Joshua Morris is on a leave of absence due to the impending state election.

A report on the pool is set to be considered at the council meeting on November 26.

melissa.cunningham@fairfaxmedia.com.au