Pool filter delayed but is on its way

The filter system for the Cleveland Aquatic Centre’s 50-metre pool is on the last leg of its journey to Brisbane.

Redland City Councillor Peter Mitchell (Division 2) said it had been a long and frustrating wait for both Council and residents, and it was now anticipated the pool would reopen by the end of January 2021.

“We had hoped for the 50-metre pool to reopen by the end of this year following the partial re-opening of the rest of the refurbished aquatic centre in October,” he said.

“However there have been delays in transporting the filter from overseas due to the combination of the COVID-19 pandemic, industrial action, rough weather and capacity issues in ports.

“Our latest advice is that the vessel carrying the filter is due to arrive in Brisbane on 27 December and the filter is expected to be cleared by Australian customs on 4 January 2021.

“A team of contractors remains on stand-by and committed to installing the new filter system as soon as it arrives on-site.

“We anticipate and hope that the filter will be installed and the pool operational by the end of January 2021 but that is of course contingent on the arrival of the filter and its clearance through customs.”

Cr Mitchell said residents had been very patient while Council and centre operator Belgravia Leisure had overseen the revitalisation and maintenance upgrade at the aquatic centre.

“Even before COVID restrictions forced the closure of the centre in March, work had commenced to repair a suspected leak in the 50-metre pool.

“The filter system is a critical piece of equipment and was procured from overseas only after no submission was received for supply of a suitable local Australian-manufactured product.

“While it is disappointing we weren’t able to reopen the 50-metre pool for the summer school holidays, it will be heated so I am sure it will prove a popular attraction during the rest of the year.

“Since October, work has continued on final landscaping, tiling and concourse painting and, once this crucial final element is complete, the community will have access to a quality and enjoyable aquatic centre for many years to come.”

The Cleveland Aquatic Centre had a partial re-opening on 14 October 2020 following plumbing and electrical works, replacement of the 25-metre pool filter mediums, refurbishment of the children’s play pool and centre kiosk, and centre-wide painting, decking, tiling and landscaping.

Council acknowledges the State Government’s COVID Works for Queensland funding contribution of $830,000 towards this project.