Decision details

Moved by Councillor Scott, seconded by Councillor Scully –

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         due to Covid-19, the City's aquatic centres were closed for almost three months, significantly impacting residents, workers and visitors who use these pools for recreation and exercise;

(ii)        outdoor City pools Prince Alfred Park Pool and Victoria Park Pool have reopened, with an extended season of operation, for lap swimming;

(iii)      indoor City pools Cook + Philip Park Pool and Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre Pool have also reopened for lap swimming;

(iv)      Learn to Swim programs will gradually start again from Monday 29 June, and a range of other classes, including aqua aerobics, have also recommenced;

(v)       the City has increased the number of swimmers per lane to three;

(vi)      reopening access to pools and rehabilitation classes is especially important for City residents who use the pools to recover from physical injuries, or have chronic health conditions that mean they cannot do weight bearing exercise;

(vii)     while beaches may start to open, people who need aqua exercise need deep manageable water to actually do their exercises, even with their own water equipment; and

(viii)    it is extremely beneficial for swimmers undertaking rehabilitation to have access to heated, ramp and public transport accessible pools. Resuming aqua aerobic classes that were available pre-COVID19 would be ideal such as on Saturday mornings, and weekday lunchtimes and evenings; and

(B)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)         explore the ability to prioritise pool use for those needing access for rehabilitation and health concerns, providing classes during the day and in the evenings;

(ii)        ensure residents and other aquatic centre users are appropriately alerted to the commencement of direct debit payments by the City or City contractors, and

(iii)      provide an update on access changes, direct debits and other matters relevant to the reopening of the City's aquatic centres via the CEO Update.

Carried unanimously.

S129266