The Oasis is costing ratepayers $1m a year, while it’s estimated it will take a $5m spend to drought proof the lake.

Both are among Wagga’s major recreational and tourist icons, but many people aren’t happy.

The critics say they are both too expensive to maintain.

Admittedly they aren’t cheap, but where were those same critics when council was forced to spend $13m remediating the old gasworks site on Tarcutta Street?

To my mind not nearly enough questions were asked about that spend and in the end what did we get for it?

All I can see is half a car park. 

Now I know the work was carried out to stop pollution seeping into the river, but didn’t it do that for much of the last century - and who died?

As well, what about all the other pollutants that spew into the river upstream from Wagga?

Poisonous insecticides, dead animal carcasses and all sorts of other effluent continually leak into the Murrumbidgee.

So, in the final analysis wouldn’t it have been refreshing to see just some of that money kept aside for the lake and the Oasis?

Actually, the amount spent on the old gasworks site would have been enough to drought proof the lake and keep the Oasis going for much of the next decade.

Judging by the feedback from the publicity surrounding Lake Albert many ratepayers are keen to have something done.

Most are sick and tired of all the talk - but no action.

Already there is a group of businessmen banding together and they will soon front council over the whole lake issue.

However, to be fair it’s not just a council problem.

Perhaps Riverina Water and the state government should be involved as well.

Unfortunately when such controversies erupt council appears to be the target for much of the blame.

Some of it is deserved, some of it isn’t. 

Council is a sitting duck and when there is a drama, such as the Lakeside Drive saga, everyone knows about it.

Really, our council is quite competent, but like anything else some things can be done better.

Presently they are attempting to take steps to address the big Oasis deficit, but even that has drawn criticism. 

One recommendation is to hike entry fees, but that hasn’t been well received in some quarters.

User groups say they pay their rates like everyone else and they shouldn’t be unfairly penalised.

They say apart from the centre being a fundamental facility for the city, increased fees would put swimming out of reach for some young and up and coming athletes.

You know all that does leave me a little gobsmacked and I sometimes ponder why on earth anyone would want to go on council?

Talk about a thankless task.

Thankfully, though, some do and I suppose they just accept that are elected to make the tough decisions.

All I can say is good on them for doing so.