18 July 2022

Gungahlin pool is set to reopen - $4.63 million later

| Ian Bushnell
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Gungahlin pool

The Gungahlin Leisure Centre 50-metre pool is about to reopen after $4.63 million of repairs. Photo: Facebook.

The total repair bill for the trouble-plagued 50-metre pool at the Gungahlin Leisure Centre is $4.63 million, more than triple the $1.5 million contract to fix the problems.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel for swimmers in Canberra’s north with the 50-metre pool and the 25-metre pool, which has been undergoing maintenance, set to be open for spring.

The Centre says maintenance on the 25-metre pool is complete and will reopen on 25 July, while the 50-metre pool has been retiled and is expected to reopen by the end of August.

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A government spokesperson said the government chose to completely refurbish the 50-metre pool instead of simply patching the areas that need to be fixed, as well as adding acoustic and lighting upgrades.

“These works aim to extend the life of the pool, reduce the risk of additional future works being required and provide the best opportunity to address any underlying issues identified and minimise disruption to patrons,” the spokesperson said.

The tiles on the 50-metre pool needed a few weeks to cure, and when complete, the gradual refilling process over about four weeks will begin.

“The pool needs to be refilled slowly in stages to ensure there are no leaks or water pressure issues,” the spokesperson said.

Damaged tiles in Gungahlin pool

The damaged tiles at the Gungahlin pool. Photo: Region.

It has been more than two years since the 50-metre pool closed when leaks were discovered during regular maintenance.

Sports Minister Yvette Berry said she understood how frustrating the pool closure had been for the Gungahlin community.

“I thank everyone for their patience while this work has taken place,” she said.

“It is unfortunate that the repairs were taking place during the pandemic with multiple lockdowns which affected workers coming to Canberra and delays in getting materials.

“I am glad that we have now reached a point where we can soon reopen the pool for the Gungahlin community to enjoy.”

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In January, the government said the reopening of the 50-metre pool, tentatively scheduled for the end of the summer, would be delayed again until mid-2022 due to the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on resourcing for the project.

The delay plus the closing of the 25-metre pool, which young families use and where Learn to Swim and fitness classes are held, was a further blow to the Gungahlin community.

Hydrostatic testing of the pool shell – filling the pool with water and letting it sit to test for leaks – was completed over the Christmas holiday period and the results allowed tiling work to begin.

The $28.7 million Leisure Centre is only eight years old, but the main pool has hardly been used in recent years, attracting withering criticism from the Liberal Opposition.

In March 2021, the government accepted a $400,000 payment to cut ties with the original builder, ADCO Constructions, and signed a $1.5 million contract with local construction company Kynetic to repair the pool.

The government spokesperson said an event to mark the pool’s reopening was under discussion with the Centre operators, and the date and nature of the event will be confirmed in due course.

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After a significant period of no use, how long will it be before it closes again due to having to fix other equipment that has sat idle? Again the ratepayers will have to bear the cost for incompetence.

I heard the opening event will include a row of stocks to shame all those found responsible for this long debacle.

Ah, truly funny this whole debacle.

I still can’t believe that people were trying to absolve the government for blame over this project and issue for what was a clear failing of their management.

And once again, the taxpayers foot the bill for their mistakes and no one in government is held to account. As usual.

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