29 October 2021
Published 20 May 2020
Moreton Bay Region pools will be some of the first in Australia to reopen this weekend, thanks to Council’s foresight in providing early assistance to pool operators.
Mayor Peter Flannery said a decision was taken back in April to cover costs of all utilities and chemicals at its aquatic centres, to minimise the impact of forced COVID-19 closures.
“Our officers have worked collaboratively with our pool contract partner Belgravia Leisure to put measures in place that would allow us to reopen as quickly as possible,” Mayor Flannery said.
“I’m proud that we’ll be able to reopen our pool facilities to the public this Saturday May 23.
“This includes Settlement Cove Lagoon on the Redcliffe foreshore, which will open under the supervision of Royal Life Saving Society of Queensland (RLSSQ).
“Strict regulations will be in place from the weekend to ensure it is safe for Moreton Bay residents to loosen up their shoulders and go for a swim again.
“There will be a maximum of 10 people per pool or one person per lane with a 45-minute session limit.
“Pool users will be required to make a session booking by calling their local aquatic centre and payment will be made electronically at the facility to minimise risk to staff and swimmers.
“Each Council pool manager will have completed a site-specific risk assessment in preparation for the reopening.
Seasonal pools will remain closed during winter as they normally would.
Several other pools will also remain closed whilst undergoing maintenance and upgrades brought forward during the unanticipated Covid -19 closure period.
Under a Covid -19 Safe plan the lagoon will be open to more than 10 people, however social distancing will be required, continual breaches may lead to the lagoon’s closure.
“Council will continually review the situation and the message is clear – if residents want the Lagoon to remain open the must follow the guidelines in place.”
The aquatic facilities reopening this weekend are:
- Albany Creek Leisure Centre
- Bribie Island Aquatic Centre
- Lawnton Aquatic Centre
- North Lakes Aquatic Centre
- Burpengary Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre
- Caboolture Aquatic Centre
- Ferny Hills Aquatic Centre
- Settlement Cove Lagoon