Is the tide turning for Mission Beach Aquatic Centre?

Is the tide turning for Mission Beach Aquatic Centre?

IMOGEN KARS

THE Mission Beach Aquatic Centre saga continues, with community response gaining traction and getting louder.

Cr Trudy took the issue to a council meeting on Thursday (May 28), where she moved that the CEO be instructed to have a report prepared exploring the implications of various models for the operation of the Mission Beach Aquatic Centre.

Cr Trudy is seeking to rectify three objectives: the re-opening of the pool amidst COVID-19, the extension of services into winter and appropriate shades, a necessity for safe and comfortable pool usage in the summer.

The decision was unanimous, with all members agreeing to action the report.

This report is set to include the times and duration of opening hours, as well as the operation of various components of the facility.

Cr Millwood also suggested that the community group do a user study to gain a deeper understanding of the value of the Aquatic Centre, but Ken Gray from Mission Beach Aquatic and Recreation Centre said previous studies conducted already tell the full story.

The community conducted 24 essential studies worth $121,000 in order to make the initial funding case compelling, with Council also estimating the Aquatic Centre’s usage in its Management and Operational Plan.

The study painted a picture of a community that truly benefits from an Aquatic Centre facility. It found 40,000 people would use the Mission Beach pool every year, compared to just 28,000 for Innisfail Aquatic Centre, 19,000 for Tully Pool and 5,600 for Cardwell Pool.

Prior to its closure for COVID-19, the MBAC was hosting up to 110 people per day, meaning the expert estimate was spot on.

Despite the setbacks, Ken Gray says the community is elated to see momentum with the issue.

“She’s done more in the last month to consult the community than the last guy did in four years.” Gray said.

He also noted that both he and Cr Trudy remain hopeful, which is a great sign for the community.

“I am optimistic we’ll get movement on some things, whether it be the shades or the re-opening or the staying open in winter. I am hopeful that Council will move in a positive way soon.” Gray said.

“When you look at the number of individuals who have come on and said they’re so disappointed it's not open, there’s just so many. There’s so many different posts (on Facebook) and letters and emails that have gone in. It’s not just users, either. It’s people like Kim Favier from the Tully Medical Centre and Rob Harris who runs physiotherapy.” he said.

Cr Trudy said she recognises that the pool’s extended closure places a burden on the community’s health and wellness.

“It is evident from a recent meeting with affected stake

IMOGEN KARS

IT’S been a solemn few months for Mission Beach bookworms, but as of this week, the Wongaling Beach Library is back in business. It reopened on Monday after closing in March due to COVID-19, pathing the way for the facility’s much-needed refurbishments.

During its closure, the library underwent stage one of its upgrades, in a move that was welcomed by the local community. The overall upgrade aims to improve services for community users, focusing on enhancing both internal and external facilities.

Aligning with COVID-19 restrictions, readers are asked to maintain social distancing practices and restrict inside access to ten patrons at any one time.

To reduce community risk, services are currently restricted to collecting and returning books only.

Despite the woes of this new socially-distancing era, the community welcomed the resumption of the Wongaling Beach Library with open arms as a giant step towards the return of ‘normality’. "The Wongaling Beach Library is a well-used and loved space within the Mission Beach community and we are excited to see it enhanced." Councillor Tschui said.

Readers delighted at the return of Wongaling Library

Stage one saw the installation of a disability access ramp and new automatic doors, measures which are set to greatly improve the accessibility of the library.

Community feedback combined with mandated requirements were taken into consideration while designing the upgrade, with many local voices heard on the Library Community Survey last September. "The Library Community Survey received a total of 137 responses with some very constructive suggestions for the refurbishment of the library." Cr Tschui said.

The refurbishment is set to be completed in multiple stages and will improve a myriad of functional facilities.

Parking, including disability parking, facilities will be revamped, existing spaces will be refurbished to make way for a larger children’s library, accessibility of restrooms will be improved and a community meeting room with 24/7 access will be implemented.

Locals also asked for improved access to computers and photocopiers, which Council is working to implement over the coming months. Prior to COVID-19, Council immediately actioned measures that work to create a more inclusive public space, including the reduction of printing and photocopying prices and extended opening hours.

holders, and from talking to people in the community, that some are missing the ability to exercise.” she said.

“I’m stopped constantly in the supermarket by many people who ask me ‘Trudy, when is the pool going to reopen?’”

With many locals feeling like ‘fish out of water’ amidst the fight for a functional pool, there are high hopes that the newly-elected Council will turn the tide on the issue.