Public pool heating plea turned down

Image: Deception Bay Swimming Pool, Belgravia Leisure

An appeal for heating in Deception Bay swimming pool appears to have failed.

Fifty-three people signed a petition calling on Moreton Bay City Council to “consider” heating the 50m pool at Deception Bay Aquatic Centre.

The petition, run by Emanuela Bassi, said this would enable the pool to remain “open all year round” and benefit the “well-being” of the Deception Bay community and surrounds”.

However, after receiving the petition at a general meeting earlier this month, a Council spokesperson said the proposal is not viable.

“The very low patronage of Deception Bay’s 50m pool means it is currently not sustainable for Council to install heaters and subsidise the cost of energy, water, staff, and maintenance at this venue,” the spokesperson said.

“We encourage swimmers to make use of our heated year-round pools in close proximity to Deception Bay.”

These are Redcliffe War Memorial Pool, Burpengary Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre and North Lakes Aquatic Centre.

Emanuela Bassi , who lives in Deception bay and swims at the pool four-five times a week, said she has to drive further to swim in winter.

“I had a chat last year with some people coming to swim and all of them would have stayed in Deception Bay in winter if the pool was heated,” she said.

“It’s a beautiful facility. It’s big, has a 50m pool … everything is there. If they organised (winter) classes, like in Redcliffe and Burpengary people would come in winter.

“I did this (petition) as a trial, not knowing if anyone else felt the same way. I think I could have raised more signatures if I was there.”

Council pools closed over the winter period (May to August) are at Dayboro, Deception Bay, Murrumba Downs and Woodford.