Wanneroo Aquamotion and Quinns Beach shark barrier reopening dates delayed

TWO Wanneroo Aquamotion pools will be closed these summer holidays and the Quinns Beach shark barrier will not be operational.

Structural issues and delays in manufacturing materials being delivered have led to prolonged closures for the City of Wanneroo’s swimming facilities, more than doubling the timeframe to reopen the lap and leisure pools at Aquamotion.

The closure of pools for re-tiling works was originally meant to last four months from September, however community and place director Debbie Terelinck said “unforeseen structural issues” caused delays.

Mrs Terelinck said every effort was being made to open facilities for public access as quickly as possible, but complexity of the work meant a specific date could not be provided.

“It is anticipated both the leisure pool and main 25m lap pool will re-open mid-2019,” she said.

“During the refurbishment, contractors noted a ‘drummy’ sound from the pool shells.

“Further investigation has identified that the render is coming away from the basins of both the lap and leisure pools.

“The existing render will need to be removed and new render applied – the new pool basin render will take a minimum of four weeks to cure.

“The unexpected extent of work has a snowball impact on the completion schedule, including the ability to begin retiling and subsequently re-filling and water testing.”

The Quinns Beach swimming enclosure, which was removed in winter following severe storms, was originally due to be reinstalled in October.

Mrs Terelinck said contractor Global Marine Enclosures would be onsite mid-December to complete preliminary works and the reinstallation of the swimming enclosure, which cost $450,000 and was launched in January 2017, by Australia Day.

She said the hold-up related to delays in manufacturing materials being delivered, as well as quality control testing by the contractor to ensure a prolonged lifespan of the enclosure.

“The repair and upgrade of the enclosure is covered by Global Marine Enclosures at no additional cost to the City of Wanneroo,” she said.

Also damaged by winter storms, the Sorrento Beach swimming enclosure was repaired mid-October.

Mrs Terelinck said Aquamotion’s outdoor pool and splash pad as well as spa and sauna would reopen as planned on December 30, with access to the indoor change rooms.

She said the creche, gym, hydrotherapy pool and land-based fitness programs continued to operate as normal.

“The impact on existing memberships and swim school enrolments are being assessed and managed on a case by case basis,” she said.

“Members and swim school customers have received either, or both, a refund or extended time on their membership or enrolments as compensation, subject to their specific situation.”

Mrs Terelinck said Aquamotion was working with the Education Department to find alternatives for swim school programs as well as neighbouring swimming pool providers and Aqua Attack Swimming Club.

Advising people to visit mybeach.com.au to find their nearest patrolled beach, the director said Quinns Beach and Yanchep Lagoon were regularly patrolled in summer.

“Surf Life Saving WA recommends people swim at patrolled beaches, and always swim between the flags,” she said.

“Volunteer SLSWA lifesavers also patrol Alkimos Beach and Yanchep Lagoon on Sundays and Quinns Beach on Saturdays and Sundays.”

Mayor Tracey Roberts’s successfully put forward a motion in February to bring plans for another public pool forward almost 30 years from the 2042-46 timeframe.

Mrs Terelinck said the City was conducting a need and feasibility study to assess the most appropriate aquatic facility for the community and community feedback would be incorporated into that study.