A BALLARAT councillor cast doubt on a schoolgirl’s plea to save the Black Hill Pool days after it was closed.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On August 31 last year, Black Hill Primary School student Lucy Walters, aged 10, sent a letter to councillors pleading for them to reconsider the decision to shut down the pool.
In the letter, Lucy said the pool was the “best part” of her childhood and included photos from every year she had attended the pool.
In response to the letter and pictures, Cr Amy Johnson sent an email to two other councillors asking: “Did either of you notice how few people are in the background of the photos?”
The email exchanges, obtained via Freedom of Information, did not reveal any responses to Cr Johnson’s question.
Lucy’s mother, Polly Walters, said Cr Johnson’s comment reflected a poor insight to families.
“I find it very disappointing that she has not responded to my emails requesting a meeting,” she said.
“To me, this reflects possible defensiveness and lack of interest, especially in kids and families – the main users of the Black Hill Pool.”
“How does this benefit our community when she is an elected representative?”
Ms Walters said the photos were taken to reflect Lucy’s lifelong involvement with the pool.
“We were frequently at the pool and only chose to take a camera on days that we knew would be quieter,” she said.
Cr Johnson responded briefly via email on Friday and said she could not remember the photo.
“I think it was a photo of a girl at the pool and there were only a handful of people in the background,” she said.
Cr Johnson did not respond to any further calls or emails on Friday afternoon.
kara.irving@fairfaxmedia.com.au
