Redland City Council extends opening hours at Bay Islands Aquatic Centre

A community east of Brisbane has attained success in a longstanding campaign to have the Bay Islands Aquatic Centre open seven days a week.

Redland City Council announced this week that Russell Island facility will open every day of the week with from the Centre to move from operating from 32 hours per week to 59 as part of a season-long trial beginning on 21st September.

As reported by the Redlands Community News, the change follows a five-year campaign - that included protest rallies and petitions - to have their pool open every day of the week, opening from 6am until 5pm seven days a week.

However, campaigners are puzzled that during school terms, the Centre will be closed at lunchtimes - noon to 2pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The public pool, which is owned by the Queensland Department of Education but managed by Redland City Council, was previously closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school term.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said as part of the trial, the Council would also consider further upgrades to the centre and boosting maintenance of the grounds, advising “residents have provided valuable feedback to us on the need for longer hours and other pool improvements

“We have listened and we have responded to their calls.”

Spokeswoman for the action group Friends of Russell Island Swimming Pool Alison Laing said she was “disappointed” with the council’s decision to close the pool at lunchtime during school term, noting “I am at a total loss to understand the closing at lunchtime.”

Laing said the limited access had been a thorn in the side of the community for years, especially as island residents had paid $400,000, via a special levy, for the construction of the pool more than a decade ago.

Mayor Williams said the Council planned to engage with the community on the longer term management of the pool, telling the Redlands Community News “in line with a council resolution in March, council will also consult with the community on the longer term operation and management of the pool ahead of negotiating a new agreement with the pool owners, the Queensland Government.”