Staff shortages force Gratwick Aquatic Centre season to draw to close early

The ongoing saga of public pool availability continues with the Town of Port Hedland forced to shut the Gratwick Aquatic Centre on Tuesday (March 5). The town blamed “critical aquatic staff shortages across Western Australia” for the earlier-than-usual season end in a statement issued last week. The pool’s season usually starts in September and finishes in April. “Given the substantial shortage of qualified pool operators across Western Australia, particularly in regional areas, the town has had to make the tough decision to close Gratwick Aquatic Centre earlier than usual,” the statement read. “This closure will however enable the town to focus on delivering a greater level of service at South Hedland Aquatic Centre, which typically sees nine times more visitors than Gratwick.” Existing seasonal bookings have not be affected by the closure, however, with water polo, swimming club and school carnivals to continue uninterrupted to facilitate ongoing training, competitions and activities. The town said it was “working on a number of solutions to attract more qualified and experienced aquatic pool operators to Hedland and anticipates the return to regular operations later in the year”. Both the Gratwick pool and the 44-year-old South Hedland pool have been plagued by maintenance issues and frequent closures over the past few years. About $8 million has been allocated in the town’s 2023-24 budget to progress the initial stages of the Hedland Sports and Community Hub, which will include a new aquatic facility, ahead of schedule. A master plan for the new $72.4 million aquatic centre, next to Kevin Scott Oval and Wanangkura Stadium, was released in 2021.