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Parramatta Memorial Pool,which has made way for the new Western Sydney Stadium.Credit:Steven Siewert

“I’ve had enough,” Mr Ayres said. “And the people of Parramatta deserve a pool. If the council won’t deliver it with us,then we will do it on our own and we will make our commitment of a like-for-like pool.”

The issue,however,is that the former Parramatta Memorial Pool included multiple swimming facilities.

NSW Sports Minister Stuart Ayres said the government wouldn't commit more than $30 million to the Parramatta pool replacement.Credit:Daniel Munoz

Asked on Monday if Mr Ayres’ $30 million would deliver a like-for-like replacement,the council’s mayor,Andrew Wilson,said “no”.

“I can well understand the minister arguing that I've destroyed $30 million so I'm giving you $30 million,” said Cr Wilson,who supports continuing negotiations with the government over a jointly funded swimming facility.

“I can also understand council saying there's four pools and all this other stuff in the old pool,we would like that in the new facility.”

The council this year resolved to build a $75 million swimming facility,but a majority of councillors have at various times pushed for the government to pay either half or the entirety of that amount.

The latest council motion to that effect,which was opposed by the mayor,prompted Mr Ayres to say he would simply build a pool for $30 million.

“You’ll get a pool in Parramatta,exactly the same as the one that was there before. But if they want a better pool Parramatta Council has got to come to the party,” Mr Ayres said last week.

On Monday Cr Wilson indicated he hoped negotiations would continue.

“I was just a little bit surprised council did not want to continue that conversation on the pool because typically we have been able to negotiate things out for the benefit of Parramatta,” he said.

The Member for Parramatta,Geoff Lee,praised Mr Ayres for taking control and criticised the “game-playing” politics on council.

“I can assure residents that work will begin on the design and planning for the pool immediately,so we can see this project delivered for the people of Parramatta ASAP,” Mr Lee said last week.

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