Wadeye pool reopens for Northern Territory community after being empty for five years

Residents in Wadeye, located in the Northern Territory's remote west, approximately 400 kilometres from Darwin, have welcomed the long-awaited return of their swimming pool which has sat empty for the past half decade.

With construction on the new Wadeye Swimming Pool now complete, recreational facilities for the community have been given a much needed boost.

Without access to a pool, children have been forced to take respite from the region’s scorching heat by swimming in saltwater crocodile-inhabited creeks and rivers.

Over the past few weeks, a number of Wadeye residents have been trained up as lifeguards, in a bid to both bolster local employment and help keep children safe around water.

Local company, M&J Builders Pty Ltd, have carried out the upgrades.

The pool was identified as a key strategic priority in improving social outcomes and the health and wellbeing of the Wadeye community.

End of year school holiday activities will make the most of the new Wadeye Swimming Pool, with the Christmas break fast approaching.

The West Daly Regional Council has delivered this project with the support of the Northern Territory Government.

The Territory Government partnered with the Council to redevelop the pool, with the Territory Government providing $4.5 million to this project and Council contributing $300,000.

Northern Territory Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles noted “Good community infrastructure, builds strong, healthy communities.

"The Territory Government has provided $4.5 million to construct the pool at Wadeye – providing fun, recreational activities which keep our young people engaged.”

Across the territory, five of the Northern Territory's 18 remote pools have been closed due to safety and maintenance concerns, some for years, as temperatures soar during summer into the 40s.

Images. Credit: West Daly Regional Council