Published on Friday, 14 April 2023 at 4:25:27 PM
The Town of Port Hedland will prepare for critical works on the South Hedland Aquatic Centre following the required closure of the facility amid Tropical Cyclone Ilsa.
The facility was closed to the public on Thursday as Port Hedland was locked down in preparation for the category 5 cyclone.
The Town will now begin preparations for critical work to be undertaken on the pool, including replacing the vinyl liner in the leisure pool and structural tile repairs on the 50m pool.
Acting Chief Executive Craig Watts said the leisure pool had lost a substantial amount of water during the closure, which demonstrated the need for the critical works.
“To minimise any risks in the event of destructive or damaging winds we needed to turn off the pool’s pump and filtering systems. This resulted in approximately one third of the leisure pool’s water being lost through leaks,” Craig said.
“We are required to undertake stringent testing of pool water prior to reopening to the public. This would involve refilling pools, ensuring the water is effectively treated, and having samples tested in Perth prior to reopening.
“We estimate this process would take at least a week. Given our preparation for repairs was due to begin on 24th April, we have made the decision to commence this preparation sooner.”
The critical works on the South Hedland pool is expected to take around two months to complete. During this time Gratwick Aquatic Centre in Port Hedland will operate seven days a week and on extended hours to reflect the South Hedland Aquatic Centre’s normal opening hours.
“The Town is currently clearing debris from the Gratwick Aquatic Centre pool and has commenced the process for water testing, as is required by the Department of Health,” Craig said.
“We are hopeful that Gratwick can be reopen to the public from Saturday 22 April, depending on water testing capacity in Perth.”
Media Enquiries
Town of Port Hedland, Public Relations Team
Email: media@porthedland.wa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 9111 5000
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