Published on Tuesday, 29 November 2022 at 7:19:14 PM
One of the City’s most utilised community assets is set to be brought back to life following tonight’s Ordinary Meeting of Council where a decision was made to repair the Geraldton Aquarena’s outdoor pool.
Members of the community were top of mind with the vote, which will see the damaged structure undergo immediate repairs so that it is available for all to enjoy in the very near future.
Earlier this year upgrade works to the pool were suspended when damage from Cyclone Charlotte occurred. A significant volume of stormwater entered the excavations around the repaired pool shell, which caused the pool to float and then settle when the water subsided – causing cracking to the concrete pool floor.
The project was 70% complete when the damage occurred.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said having the outdoor pool available for the community is a top priority.
“We know how popular this facility is in the community and we just want to get it available for use as soon as we can,” he said.
“While this matter was being resolved, work continued on the plant rooms and balance tank which I’m happy to report are now finished. We also engaged expert consulting engineers to investigate the damage and prepare options that were considered tonight.
“This decision we have made sees renewal works recommence immediately, allowing the outdoor pool to return to service as quickly as possible and provides our community with transparency on what transpired.”
Over the last few months, the City has been in discussions with insurers to have the damage assessed as well as an insurance claim lodged.
Rather than waiting for a decision from the insurer, the City has opted to get the outdoor pool open and is proceeding with repairs while the insurance matters are being resolved.
“We are hopeful of a positive outcome, which will further reduce financial implications. In addition to this, plus the state government funding for the project and the City improving its cash position over the last two years – there will be no impact to rates,” confirmed Mayor Van Styn.
Replacing the concrete walls, installing disability ramps and stairs as well as retiling were just some of the works happening earlier this year, which were suspended after extreme rains and damage from Cyclone Charlotte.
Progressing with the option to repair the damage allows Geraldton Aquarena’s user groups such as the water polo and swimming clubs to continue to host local and regional competitions - a key priority in the City’s Strategic Community Plan for a strong sporting culture.
More information about when repair works will begin will be announced in the coming weeks.
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