Pool to get new change rooms

Despite plans to close the South Hedland Aquatic Centre permanently in the future, the Town of Port Hedland will still pour funding into the pool centre, according to the 2017-18 annual budget.

As outlined in the budget, $130,000 will be set aside in the next financial year to design and build accessible change rooms at the local pool.

Mayor Camilo Blanco said despite the plans to close the pool for six months of the year and eventually close it for good, the change rooms were a much-needed addition to the recreation complex.

“There is a significant amount of planning work before council can consider future options for aquatic facilities in South Hedland,” he said.

“In the meantime, the Town is working to re-open the South Hedland Aquatic Centre, which requires accessible change facilities.”

Mr Blanco also assured the change rooms would be modular and would be relocated in any future movement of pool facilities in South Hedland.

“The change rooms design gives us flexibility to relocate them to other areas if the need arises in the future,” he said.

“Providing accessible change spaces at our community facilities is an important part of our disability access and inclusion plan.”