Pool anger splashes over

The Town of Port Hedland has copped heavy criticism after announcing South Hedland Aquatic Centre will remain closed until the middle of next year.

Multiple closures and equipment failures have dogged the facility, with the Town eventually resorting to engaging a commercial aquatic specialist.

Mayor Camilo Blanco made a statement last Friday outlining the decision to do a “ground-up rebuild” of the plant room in the centre which opened in 2014, saying that as a parent he would not feel comfortable letting his children “swim in a pool that has a constant risk of contamination”.

“I know the timing is not ideal especially as we are in summer,” he said.

“However, I urge everyone to consider the health risk and understand that the council places public health and safety as our number one priority.

“By rebuilding the plant room from scratch we are eliminating one of the major sources of this problem, and we can hopefully resolve the issue from now on.”

The Town has $106,000 in funding from the State to revitalise the pool and buy a portable changing room, toilet and shower facility.

Of the $106,000, the Community Pools Revitalisation program will provide $32,000 to assist in pool upgrades, maintenance, equipment and allow the Town to reduce pool entry costs.

However, the Town has said that funding for the rebuild would be self-funded though the local authority’s budget.

Sports and recreation minister Mia Davis said community pools bring people together, especially in regional areas.

“Pools and water playgrounds across the State are a place for families and individuals to come together,” she said.

“Especially over the summer months.”

Public disquiet over the lack of swimming facilities in Hedland has been growing since the centre’s closure in September with the Town facing a barrage of criticism on its Facebook page.

Jacqui Byrne questioned the placement of funds for the pool. “I’d really like to see a break down of where all the millions of dollars have been spent on that pool facility,” she said. “The amount it’s cost, it should be gold plated!”

Another Facebook poster, Paul Reibel, said: “Still don't understand why it wasn’t addressed properly from day dot”.

Ian Lee asked the Town why the work wasn’t “done in the winter”.