Cyclone Rusty delays South Hedland Aquatic Centre reopening

The reopening of the Town of Port Hedland's flagship aquatic and recreation facility, the South Hedland Aquatic Centre (SHAC), has been delayed by this week's Tropical Cyclone Rusty.

Althought SHAC and other Town of Port Hedland facilities suffered no damage from the Cyclone's destructive winds, a general clean up of each site is required.

At SHAC the water treatment plant also requires cleaning and re-sanitising with the water to be chemically balanced to Western Australian Department of Health requirements to prepare for statutory water sampling.

SHAC's $11 million upgrade, conducted by Perth-based Commercial Aquatics Australia, includes the first installation of the Australian designed and manufactured LatiTube surfing simulation ride.

The project is the cover story in the January/February 2013 issue of Australasian Leisure Management.

Explaining the expected completion of the project, a Council spokesperson stated "the Town continues to work with contractors and the YMCA (the management contractors) to complete final works required for the opening of the South Hedland Aquatic Centre.

"The Town will confirm opening dates for (the) South Hedland Aquatic Centre once we are confident that both facilities meet the necessary standards and approvals and are of the highest quality."

Evacutions in advance of Cyclone Rusty saw Port Hedland's Wanangkura Stadium and the Andrew McLaughlin Community Centre used as evacuation shelters.

Image: Port Hedland from the air.

16th November 2012 - WESTERN AUSTRALIA FACILITIES OPEN, THEN CLOSE

11th November 2012 - VANDALS DAMAGE PORT HEDLAND SPLASH PAD

13th July 2012 - TOWN OF PORT HEDLAND AND YMCA PARTNERSHIP INITIATES PORT HEDLAND LEISURE