Port Hedland celebrates official opening of $11.3 million aquatic centre

Over year after its completion, the Town of Port Hedland has celebrated the official reopening of the South Hedland Aquatic Centre (SHAC).

Backed by funding partners, including the Western Australian Government and BHP Billiton Iron Ore, over 800 community members joined in the celebrations at the South Hedland Aquatic Centre Community Open Day on Sunday 9th February.

Western Australian Regional Development Minister Terry Redman attended the event which included a civic ceremony to officially reopen the facility and mark the completion of its $11.3 million redevelopment.

The redevelopment, undertaken by Perth-based Commercial Aquatics Australia, includes:

• The first installation of a LatiTube standing surf wave simulator (known as the BHP Billiton Wave Rider) - supplied by Swimplex Australia;
• A 50 metre x eight lane pool refurbished using the Myrtha Pools RenovAction technology system;
• Expansion of the facilitys existing leisure/lagoon pool with an added 25 metre Myrtha learn-to-swim pool;
• The addition of splashpad play features from Waterplay Design Corporation in the leisure/lagoon pool;
• Installation of a childrens zero-depth water tower aquatic playground with waterslides;
• A new plant room with full replacement of all pool hydraulics and filtration.

Commenting on the official opening of the facility, Port Hedland Mayor Kelly Howlett said the day was a great success, with community and stakeholders enjoying all the facility had to offer.

Mayor Howlett stated "the Community Open Day was all about recognising the contribution by our project partners towards the South Hedland Aquatic Centre redevelopment and demonstrating the range of activities and services available to the community as a benefit of the redevelopment.

"Council implemented a $1 entry fee for young people aged 16 years and under at the beginning of this financial year and this has seen a significant increase in the number of residents using the facility."

The opening event included LatiTube surfing workshops led by Surfing WA's coaches and ex-pro surfers Neil Thompson and Mark Clift, culminating in a surfing competition.

The South Hedland Aquatic Centre Redevelopment was an $11.3 million partnership project with Principal Partners the State Government's Royalties for Regions Pilbara Cities initiative delivered by the Pilbara Development Commission and BHP Billiton Iron Ore, and Supporting Partners Town of Port Hedland, Country Local Government Fund and Department of Sport and Recreation.

Completed in January 2013, the opening was delayed until June last year by Cyclone Rusty, the after effects of which led to water contamination, and by difficulties in recruiting staff.

The SHAC redevelopment was the cover story in the January/February 2013 issue of Australasian Leisure Management.

Click here to view Commercial Aquatics Australia’s entry and contact details in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory. 

26th June 2012 - COMMERCIAL AQUATICS AUSTRALIA: A NEW NAME FOR AVP COMMERCIAL POOLS