AusLeisure

Delays to upgrades at Ballina Shire Council's two major aquatic centres - the Alstonville and Ballina Swimming Pools - have resulted in each of the facilities remaining closed during the peak summer period.

After more than 40 years of use, both facilities closed last year in order for a comprehensive refurbishment program to be actioned. Following demolition of each of the pools, when complete, the redevelopment will see each facility offer a FINA compliant 50 metre x eight lane pool suitable for competition swimming and water polo games; a 25 x 15 metre heated enclosable pools for swimming lessons, children’s play, lap swimming and rehabilitation; access ramps into all pools and an aquatic play area.

The Ballina Swimming Pool is also to gain a new amenities building and transparent fencing along its Richmond River boundary.

However, major power upgrades at both sites and bad weather in recent months have slowed construction at both sites with, according to a report in The Northern Star, completion being delayed until March.

Commenting on the delay, Ballina Shire Council's acting Group Manager for Strategic and Community Facilities Matthew Wood told The Northern Star today that the pools were "many weeks away from opening".

Wood said landscaping and the children's play areas were yet to be completed to complement the 50 metre and 25 metre pools, which have been constructed and tiled.

While works on the pools were scheduled simultaneously to reduce costs, the ongoing closure of the pools has been described as a loss for visitors to the Ballina Shire as well as locals.

Alstonville Swimming Club president Michael Thompson said it was "a poor decision" by the council to close both pools at the same time, especially over the school holidays.

Thompson told The Northern Star “all we can hope for is that it’s finished sooner rather than later." The delay in the reopening of the pools may impact local swimming carnivals scheduled to be held over the coming months although a NSW Department of Education spokesman said decisions to relocate, re-schedule or cancel its carnival would be made at the school level.

Click here for more information on the refurbishment projects.

Images: Work on the Ballina Swimming Pool as at the end of November 2017 (top) and the picturesque location of the Ballina Swimming Pool (below).

15th December 2015 - BALLINA SWIM N GYM CLOSES ITS DOORS 

4th May 2015 - OUTDOOR SEASONAL POOLS UNDER ONGOING THREATS

5th March 2015 - CERM PI RELEASE LATEST OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT BENCHMARKS FOR AQUATIC, RECREATION AND SPORT CENTRES 

11th December 2013 - PEOPLE POWER’ KEEPS NEWCASTLE POOLS OPEN

23rd October 2013 - COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN FIGHTS TO REOPEN ARARAT OLYMPIC OUTDOOR POOL

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