Gas leak closes pool

SWIMMERS were evacuated from the Collie Mineworkers’ Memorial Swimming Pool on Tuesday afternoon following a chlorine gas leak.

The incident occurred at 1.30pm, and the pool was reopened about 2.30pm.

Collie Shire acting chief executive officer Matt Young said the cause was unknown.

Chlorine gas is stored separately to the pool, and gas levels were detected at the storage site, he said.

However, when fire services attended, no leak was detected.

“A technician will visit the pool to review the system,” he said.

Mr Young said emergency fire services attended.

Due to faecal matter in the main pool, it remained closed yesterday.

A “code brown” was issued, and Mr Young said high amounts of chlorine were added to the pool. Chlorine levels were being reduced yesterday to a safe level.

“The main pool will reopen when the chemical levels are safe for the public,” he said.

When

A bank giving back sounds unusual. For us, it’s business as usual.

THE strategic community plan which will guide the decision-making process of the Shire of Collie for the next 10 years has been adopted.

The plan, described as a major review, was drawn up after a community engagement process which involved a total of 207 attendees at workshops, through interviews and a community survey.

At a time when the shire is facing a period of significant change there is a need to ensure that council decisions are consistent with the needs and wants of the community.

Shire president Sarah Stanley said, in the plan’s introduction, that prioritising aspirations of residents against available resources is a constant challenge.

“Our most important objective is to grow the local economy,” she said.

“This means encouraging and enabling new industry, employment and growth that will sustain our town.”

The top five priorities which emerged from this consultation were safety and security, bushfire prevention and control, economic development and employment, facilities and services for youth and conservation and environmental manage- ment. For community health, safety and wellbeing, the first strategic priority is to prepare and implement a comprehensive open space and recreation facilities strategy.

The second is to improve emergency management planning through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery capabilities.

For community connection, engagement and participation, the first priority is to conduct a community satisfaction survey on public health and safety, services and facilities, twice a year.

The second is to work with sporting clubs and community groups to promote volunteering and increase participation.

The third is to improve how the council communicates with the community and other stakeholders.

On economic matters, the top priority is to support the State Government’s Collie Just Transition initiatives to achieve economic diversification and sustainability.

Second in importance is to work with State Government, business and landowners to ensure appropriate serviceable industrial land is available, and third is the need to develop a plan to commercialise the airstrip.

Tourism promotion and attractions are next in priority to economic development.

Objectives are to increase tourism and marketing capability, focussing on destination marketing; registering as a Trail Town to promote Collie as a recognisable destination for adventure trails; and the third to plan for a new cultural and heritage museum to celebrate Collie’s unique history.

After criticism from some respondents about failing to complete projects, the plan is to deliver safe and fit for purpose roads and footpaths, and upgrades and improvements to facilities and infrastructure to a high standard, on time and on budget.

There is a recognition in the strategic plan that a variety of housing options and rental stock is needed to suit the future needs of the community and to attract people to Collie.

Land planning provides future opportunities for business growth and jobs, but this requires housing to be available to match the jobs provided.

Most people involved in the consultation said they love the natural environment, but are concerned that not enough is being done to preserve it.

The strategic plan lists preparing, implementing and reviewing the revitalisation strategy to improve the health and amenity of the Collie River.

Obtaining funding and increasing the community’s capacity to remove weeds and pests on council reserves is vital.

Council also plans to pursue funding to implement the Minningup Pool Day Use master plan.

The summary of the strategic plan says it will provide a clear avenue to pursue funding and grant opportunities by demonstrating how projects align with the aspirations of council.