AAC
Welcome to AAC – makers of the world’s best wristbands, lanyards, tickets, tokens and full-service print solutions. We are Australia’s premier global manufacturer and supplier of…
read moreKatherine Town Council has closed the 50 metre lap pool at the Katherine Aquatic Centre as a result of cracks being found in its pool shell.
While the Council had been planning to refurbish the 43-year-old infrastructure at the facility, having earlier this month secured a $10 million funding agreement from the Federal Government, it advised via social media that the cracking of the shell “happened sooner than we would have liked or were prepared for”.
As a result, it advised that the pool will now be closed for much of the year, noting “we are still waiting for confirmation of the timeline but do anticipate it will be several months before swimming will recommence.”
Having received the Federal Government funding, the Council had earlier advised via its website that “the future looks bright for a renovated 50-metre pool, an additional 25-metre pool, with new pumps and filtration systems as just part of the planned upgrade.”
It had also appointed Berrimah-based construction firm Sitzler as the contractor to the complete renovations.
Announced the closure via its social media channels earlier this month, the Council advised “we understand that closing the pool will cause some upset for a while, but we do have some significant work to do to bring it up to standards.
“Please remember it was built 43 years ago and it has finally failed.
“Whilst we would like to have given more notice of the official close day, we have been talking about this for two years now.”
Katherine Mayor Elisabeth Clark told the NT News that the $10 million in Commonwealth funding, but it would not stretch as far as any in the community would like in light of ongoing material and labour inflation within the construction sector.
She said the grant would likely cover repairs to the shell, compliance upgrades to the wading pool, a new, heated 25 metre with diving facilities and new plant.
Mayor Clark added that it remained unclear how long the pool would be closed for, adding “we’re not sure how long it will take. We’re hoping by the end of the year, but you just don’t know, there are so many variables depending on the wet season.”
During the closure, the Katherine ‘Turtles’ Swimming Club has relocated to the pool at RAAF Base Tindal.
Images: Katherine Aquatic Centre. Credit: Katherine Town Council.
29th March 2024 - Geelong Council extends outdoor swimming season at North Bellarine Aquatic Centre
28th March 2024 - Myrtha Pools announces Mattioli partnership
27th March 2024 - Aquatic and recreation facility upgrades among projects placed on hold by Shoalhaven City Council
20th March 2024 - Resort pool installations supported by NT visitor experience grants
14th March 2024 - Wadeye community pool in Northern Territory closes due to lifeguard shortages
6th March 2024 - Royal Life Saving fears 500 public pools may close without strategic investment
23rd January 2024 - New site endorsed for ageing Chinchilla Aquatic Centre replacement
18th January 2024 - Wavegarden delivers robust liner system for waterproofing surfing lagoons
4th January 2024 - Swimming and boxing clubs among those given funding boost from Northern Territory government
18th October 2023 - Popularity of Life Floor’s lagoon themed Leanyer Recreation Park exceeds expectations
22nd July 2023 - Myrtha Pools announces FPC as partner for aquatic projects in New Zealand
1st June 2023 - Installation of innovative Myrtha System now 40% complete at Palmerston’s Swimming and Wellness Hub
21st February 2023 - Life Floor completes splash pad safety surface installations at Adelaide’s Waterworld and Leanyer Recreation Park in the Northern Territory
15th February 2023 - Pool liner failure prompts two month closure of South Hedland Aquatic Centre
15th November 2022 - Federal Government honours $10 million pledge to upgrade Katherine Aquatic Centre
13th September 2022 - Northern Territory’s ageing Palmerston Swimming and Fitness Centre to be transformed
29th July 2022 - Ageing infrastructure results in the permanent closure of Eagleby Aquatic Centre
1st July 2022 - City of Canterbury Bankstown to sacrifice ageing Wran Leisure Centre
17th May 2022 - Major Parties both commit to investing $10 million for Katherine Aquatic Centre upgrade
30th April 2022 - Myrtha Pools announces partnership to deploy connected pool solution
24th February 2022 - Darwin Waterfront Corporation reveals plan for $250 million saltwater surf lagoon
27th August 2021 - Aquatic and fitness facilities reopen as Northern Territory Government eases COVID restrictions in Greater Darwin and Katherine
18th October 2019 - Henry Scott Recreation Centre in Katherine now a 24/7 facility
5th April 2018 - Pioneering water safety and life skills program set for Northern Territory launch
15th January 2018 - Swimmers make the most of refurbished facilities at Darwin’s Parap Pool
6th October 2017 - PFAS chemicals in Katherine pool prompts closure
26th May 2017 - Royal Life Saving opens Northern Territory headquarters
23rd August 2016 - Teenagers get lengthy jail terms after killing of Northern Territory pool manager
23rd February 2016 - Innovative pool liner technology reduces redevelopment costs at Mittagong Pool
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
Click here to view our subscription options.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Welcome to AAC – makers of the world’s best wristbands, lanyards, tickets, tokens and full-service print solutions. We are Australia’s premier global manufacturer and supplier of…
read morePrincipal Consultant Simon Weatherill has spent the last 20 years developing the world renowned Melbourne Sports Hub, as former Chief Executive Officer of the State Sports Centres Trust…
read moreTicketSearch is focused on providing businesses, organisations, and venues with affordable, efficient, and powerful self-managed ticketing solutions. The organisation has offices in Australia, New…
read moreClubware’s online gym software is not your run of the mill management system. It has been carefully designed to incorporate all the elements that a fitness club would need. How did we do that?…
read moreCommercial Aquatics Australia provides aquatic solutions nationwide and is one of the largest and most experienced companies specialising in the design, construction, renovation, service, maintenance…
read moreFelton Industries is Australia’s leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of quality outdoor furniture and has been supplying premium seating solutions for all sporting, commercial, community…
read moreSimplySwim is a school management solution that helps swimming school owners and managers optimize operations by automating functions such as managing class schedules, billing and…
read moreHydrocare Pool Services Pty Ltd offer 30 years of experience in aquatic industry features, products and water treatment. Hydrocare Pools has undertaken water treatment for aquatic centres and…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!