THE Fraser Coast Regional Council has put a timeline on when it expects the sounds of splashing and children laughing to be heard coming from the Maryborough Aquatic Centre again.
PHOTO: Supplied.
Work is continuing on a range of repairs at the facility following severe flooding in Maryborough last month.
The aquatic centre is expected to reopen by 30 April, 2022.
Division 4 Councillor Daniel Sanderson said the popular aquatic centre suffered considerable damage as a result of the flooding.
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“While a lot of work has already been done, there is still a lot to do before the centre can open to the public again,” Cr Sanderson said.
“We appreciate the community wants to get back in the swim of things, but it’s not as simple as just emptying the pool and filling it back up again. We need to ensure the entire facility is safe.
“The centre has been cleaned thoroughly and Council has disposed of items that were contaminated or damaged beyond repair. All pool plant and equipment required to operate the pools has been reinstated and is awaiting testing once pools have been refilled and are ready to filter once again.”
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The 50-metre pool has had the wet deck grating and new backstroke flag holders reinstated and is close to being refilled with 1.6 million litres of wate.
However, silicon works are still required to be carried out.
Cr Sanderson said the 16-metre indoor program pool has been reinstated, including the wet deck grating.
“The pool has also been refilled and the water treated to the standard required for swimming,” he said.
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Division 3’s Paul Truscott said the 25-metre pool needed significant work.
The whole pool needed to be re-grouted and wet deck grating and some tiles needed replacing.
“Work has started on repairs in other areas of the centre such as the internal toilets and change facilities, the external showers, the kiosk, first aid room, office and CCTV area,” Cr Truscott said.
“Work will start soon to restore the toddlers’ water play area, the gym and the club meeting room.
“Council understands the community is eager for the aquatic centre to reopen and we are working as quickly as we can with contractors to get all the work done in amongst the continued wet weather and supply chain challenges.”
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Council will offer residents with annual passes and extension based on how long the aquatic centre is closed.
Cr Truscott said this will only occur after the pool reopens.
“We ask the public not to come to the centre while the repairs are underway,” he said.
“We thank the community for their continued patience and understanding while Council works with contractors to get the Maryborough Aquatic Centre up and running again as soon as possible.”
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