With indoor heated pools and equitable access, the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre will be well-equipped to support local health and recovery programs.
Bundaberg exercise physiologist Michael Olesen said water-based therapy was an important tool in his treatment plans which use exercise to assist clients with pain relief and movement.
“All the stuff that we do at the gym, we can actually do at the pool,” Michael said.
“It’s a very handy measure for people with injuries and other comorbidities as well.
“In terms of working on chronic diseases like diabetes in a safe environment that’s temperature controlled as well, it’s a very important tool.”
Michael works from YMCA Bundaberg and, while he currently makes use of facilities like Norville Park Swimming Pool for his water-based treatments, he said the increased capacity of the aquatic centre would be a boon.
“So that’ll be quite useful over at this new aquatic centre in terms of trying to spread the demand,” he said.
“We use the pool, physiotherapists use the pool, different ones from around the region.
“Those sorts of facilities are really quite needed.”
Michael works with several NDIS clients and said he was excited that the new facility would include features like an adult accessible changing table.
“I think the biggest thing that I’ve found [is problems with access] for people with disabilities, so that’s probably the biggest draw card for me, access,” he said.
“It’ll just open up another avenue for us to use.
“And for people that are in wheelchairs, I think that’ll be ideal and it’ll make it a bit easier.
“So I think from that social perspective, it’ll be really good.”
Heated program and learn to swim pool
Located within the pool hall at the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre, the warm water program pool will accommodate activities such as learn to swim, aqua aerobics and water-based physiotherapy.
The pool is 25 m in length with a depth from 90 cm to 140 cm, accessible by ramp.
Its remedial benefits are maximised through the slightly warmer temperature at 32 degrees and a small area with bubbles.
A full suite of amenities including a shower, toilet and changing facilities will be incorporated into the pool hall, in addition to the central facilities which are jointly accessible.
The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre is funded by Bundaberg Regional Council with over $13 million in support from the State Government Works for Queensland program.
Construction is scheduled for completion in early 2025.
For more information on the facilities available, click here.
Thanks Jack