BUNDAMBA Swimming Complex is showing its age, according to regular swimmer Paul Thomas who said repeated maintenance problems and closures have left patrons frustrated.
The local resident who swims at the complex three times a week, said that questions had to be raised about the long-term future of Ipswich’s 50-metre pool.
The issues include the filtration system, broken pool access steps and cracked tiles, with Mr Thomas saying he had repeatedly raised the concerns with pool management and Ipswich City Council.
“There are a number of ongoing issues which have been raised and attempts have been made to rectify them, but to date they remain unresolved,” Mr Thomas said.
He said problems with the filtration system had persisted for about 18 months despite recent attempts to address them.
“Around two months ago, the 50m pool was closed for a week in an attempt to fix the issue, but it didn’t work,” he said.
“About a month later, the pool was closed again for two weeks to finally sort out the backwash problem, but unfortunately that hasn’t worked either.
“In fact, I believe the problem is now twice as bad as it was previously.
“For such a well-used, Council-owned pool, that raises concerns about whether there could be potential health implications for patrons.”
Ipswich City Council has confirmed the 50m pool was closed twice this year for major filtration works, but maintains water quality has remained compliant with required health and safety standards.
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said Council was aware of the filtration problems and had acted to rectify them.
“Council is aware of and has acted to rectify issues with filtration at the Bundamba Swim Centre,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“Water quality testing continued throughout this period at regular two-hour intervals and have always remained compliant with all health and safety standards required.”
Mr Thomas said his concerns extended beyond filtration to the accessibility and general condition of the complex.
“For several months, the steps which allow older people and patrons with disabilities to safely enter the pool have been broken and, to date, remain unfixed,” he said. “There are also cracked tiles around the perimeter of the pool which have not been replaced and could pose a danger.”
Council said further improvements were planned, including replacement pool access steps this year.
“Council is delivering multiple upgrades to the facility to continue its capacity to service the local community,” Cr Antoniolli said.
With the Bundamba complex dating back more than half a century, Mr Thomas believes the immediate maintenance concerns should also prompt a wider conversation about its future.
While council maintains the facility remains serviceable and is being progressively upgraded, Mr Thomas believes a rapidly growing Ipswich should begin considering what comes next.
“In the longer term, I think it is time we started seriously looking at the future and what an appropriate swimming complex for a growing Ipswich should look like.”
