Pool heating on mayor's wish list

The region’s major swimming pools have had significant upgrades ahead of the busy summer months.

More than $500,000 has been spent by Moreton Bay Regional Council on facilities at centres for people with a disability.

Changing spaces and toilets for those with disability are among the improvements and a review is underway to identify more critical needs.

Mayor Peter Flannery says he is “keen” to see pool heating at Deception Bay Aquatic Centre.

He said there's "a fully operational hoist into the 50m pool, however this pool isn’t heated which can be a barrier for people with certain disabilities.

“So, I’m definitely keen to see that pool heated.

“But we have just installed a custom handrail into the 12m heated pool for the aquarobics and learn-to-swim programs, which has been well received."

The mayor said 20 per cent of people in the Moreton Bay Region live with some form of disability and many areas have “a significant portion of elderly residents".

“Moreton Bay region has long been a friendly place for people of all abilities to call home and feel welcomed without discrimination, but there’s always more we can do to continually improve our standards," he added.

“All of our pools have disability access, however we are always open to making improvements and are currently undertaking a review to identify what upgrades are needed and where there are any critical needs.

“Providing accessible infrastructure for everyone is something very close to my heart and there’s always more we can do to improve our standards.

“Right now, we’re ensuring all facilities have proper toilet amenities with adult changerooms and have spent more than half a million dollars on that.

“I want Moreton Bay to be the most accessible destination in SEQ and consider pool upgrades an important part of making 2023 the Year of Accessible Tourism, as the Premier announced.”

$12 million is now available to help grow accessible tourism offerings and encourage operators to become more accessible.

Measures in this region include Bribie Island and Redcliffe having accessible beach matting so wheelchairs and mobility scooters can access the water.

The mayor said the all-abilities playground at Leslie Patrick Park in Arana Hills was named the top place to play in Queensland by Parks and Leisure Australia.

“We will also build an all-abilities playground at Centenary Lakes in Caboolture and we’re designing a new playground for Pine Rivers Park which will include new adult changing facilities," he said.

“I would love our 2032 legacy to be bringing our accessibility standards up to par or better than anywhere in the world.”