Council boosting disability access at major pools
Date published: 12 June 2020
Townsville City Council is upgrading facilities at two of its most popular pools to make them more accessible for people with disabilities.
The 50-metre pool and the learn-to-swim pool at the Tobruk Memorial Baths redevelopment include disability access ramps and a new adult change facility.
Sport and Recreation Committee Chair Maurie Soars said Tobruk’s new disability change room is the first adult change facility of its kind in the region.
“The facility is designed to help people with a profound disability so it will include a mobility hoist and an adult-sized adjustable change table,” Cr Soars said.
“The standalone facility has a central toilet and an automatic door so it is easily accessible for people who need wheelchairs, walkers or walking sticks and carers.”
Council is also doubling the number of disabled car parks at Kokoda Memorial Pool in Mundingburra.
Cr Soars said Council is always looking for ways to help more people remain active.
“Council pools are a great place to exercise, do rehab or relax and it’s important for us make them more accessible for people of all abilities,” Cr Soars said.
“The new 50 metre pool at Tobruk features a disability ramp and it is great to see such an inclusive feature at our landmark pool on The Strand. A similar ramp in the learn-to-swim pool will help people make their way into the water.”
“This $11.3 million project will support more than 120 jobs by the time it’s completed and I thank them all for creating wonderful inclusive pools on The Strand.”
Division 3 councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said Kokoda Memorial Pool will be more accessible for people of all abilities.
“Kokoda pool is very popular and Council is doubling the disabled carparks from three to six,” Cr Greaney said.
“Physiotherapists bring clients to the pool as part of their treatment so Kokoda already has an access ramp and waterproof wheelchairs to help people enter the pool.
“The aqua fitness classes cater for people of all abilities and the new diagonal parking will be better for people with wheelchairs, walkers or walking sticks.
“This is a Works for Queensland project so I’d like to thank the Queensland Government for supporting this upgrade at Kokoda Pool.”
