BY PAUL MILLER
MELBOURNE — On June 1, 100 Footscray residents protested outside the Footscray swimming pool against its closure. The rally was organised by the Footscray Community Association.
The Maribyrnong City Council has recently decided to close it and use a state government grant to construct a pool at Highpoint City shopping centre.
The residents, including two members of Maribyrnong council, were outraged at the lack of respect for the wishes of residents. The council had recently completed a survey of residents which clearly found that they wanted the pool to stay.
Dean Mighell, state secretary of the Electrical Trades Union, told the rally that the decision to close pool, supported by ALP members on Maribyrnong council and the state ALP MP Bruce Mildenhall, showed a complete disregard for the needs of the people of Footscray.
Mighell said he would push for his and other unions to place a black ban construction on the site. Mighell also stated that, given the Labor Party's lack of respect for the wishes of the electorate, he may consider running for state parliament in the local seat.
From Green Left Weekly, June 19, 2002.
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