SPORTS Minister John Sidoti has visited Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre and declared a government review of the centre's closure will be "frank and fearless".
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The new minister, who was sworn into the role about a week after the NSW Office of Sport closed the centre, spoke with members of Myuna Bay Waterski Club, Morisset Rotary and the Public Service Association, which represents the sport and recreation centre's employees.
Mr Piper said he was "very grateful" for the minister's visit and his response after walking into day one of the ministerial role to a public outcry over the closure.
"Minister Sidoti said he wanted a first-hand look at the site and the adjoining power station land and ash dam before the new Parliament begins next week," Mr Piper said.
"He's very aware of the level of anger within the community and has expressed his concern that such a decision was made while the government was in caretaker mode and before a minister had been sworn in."
Mr Piper said Mr Sidoti had ordered a review of the Office of Sport's decision and the risks outlined by Origin Energy with Eraring Power Station's ash dam that prompted the closure.
"The Minister said the independent review will be 'frank and fearless'," Mr Piper said.
"Results of the review are expected be known in six to 10 weeks and will guide the way forward for the government and the local community.
"It will determine if the risk associated with the Eraring ash dam is a manageable risk. It's important that we get that bit right because I don't want a situation where we're able to get Myuna Bay reopened, but can't give parents, visitors and schools an assurance that everyone would be safe there.
"The minister said he is very interested in the underlying issues and the methodology used by Origin in preparing their risk report."
Mr Sidoti's visit came a day after the Herald revealed Office of Sport CEO Matt Miller had brought forward his retirement and left the agency.
Mr Miller had been singled out after the closure, with Mr Piper saying "the buck stops with him".
Mr Piper will present a petition in state parliament next week signed by 18,000 people who support the reopening of the centre.
Staff of the closed centre were on special leave from the Office of Sport until it expired earlier this week. The PSA has requested an extension of the leave until the further employment options can be put forward.
Myuna Bay staff remain hopeful the centre can reopen but face a difficult wait for the outcome of the independent review.
