Upgrades make local pools accessible

Accessibility upgrades are coming to several local swimming pools across the City of Moreton Bay just in time for summer.

The upgrades include automated pool hoists at Bribie Island Aquatic Centre, Ferny Hills Aquatic Centre and Redcliffe War Memorial Pool, as well as a removable set of stairs at Dayboro Pool.

The hoists are expected to be installed by the end of October and the stairs are already in action at Dayboro.

Mayor Peter Flannery says the upgrades aim to make the city more accessible.

“Dayboro Pool has been loved by the community for over than 40 years, but we heard some residents were finding it difficult to enter the pool as it doesn’t have stairs,” Mayor Flannery says.

“Installing this new set of stairs means locals, who previously had to travel elsewhere for accessibility, can now enjoy those same benefits at their local pool.

“Making our facilities easier to use ensures everyone in our community feels welcome and included. The new stairs alongside the fully automated hoist at Dayboro Pool give more people the opportunity to get in the water and enjoy the facility.

“Our goal is to be Queensland’s most accessible City, and every improvement like this takes us one step closer to achieving it.”

Dayboro local Rod Finden has been swimming at the local pool since it opened about 43 years ago but had to drive to Lawnton when he could no longer safely enter the water.

“I’m 82 years old next birthday and I’ve had a lot of operations on knees and hips, and I couldn’t get into the pool anymore,” he explains.

“I only live 1km from the Dayboro pool and I thought surely they could do something about putting some steps in because it’s not just me ... there’s a lot of older people down there.

“The steps went in at the beginning of this season, so they’ve only been there for a couple of weeks.

“It means that you can get in and out now. Anyone can fall in the pool, but it doesn’t mean they can get out.”

Swimming is a big part of Rod’s fitness program, along with walking and gym work.

It has helped him recover from two hip operations, a knee replacement and stage four invasive melanoma.

“Swimming has played a part in my fitness for my whole life. I’ve been swimming for 65 years, all around the world. It’s just a part of the fitness program,” he says.

Rod says it is important local pools are accessible to everyone, improving physical health and enabling community connection.

“It was a critical addition to the Dayboro Pool,” he says.

Councillor Cath Tonks (Div 9) who is supporting Division 11 due to the upcoming by-election welcomes the new stairs at Dayboro Pool which will have a “positive impact for residents and families in the community”.

“Dayboro Pool is a great place for the community to connect and it’s wonderful to see the new stairs giving locals of all ages and abilities easier access to the water. This improvement will make a big difference for families and residents who call Dayboro home,” Cr Tonks says.