Water quality testing impasse set to prevent reopening of Bathurst Aqua Park

The owner of the Bathurst Aqua Park has cancelled his plans to reopen the waterpark at the Chifley Dam in the NSW Centre Tablelands after being unable to reach a satisfactory resolution with Bathurst Regional Council regarding water testing.

The inflatable aquatic park was due to return in November for the 2024/25 summer, but, as reported by the Western Advocate, owner Michael Hickey said he is not willing to take the financial risk unless there is a better water testing regime.

Hickey's fears result from having been forced to close his business for a month just a fortnight into the 2023/24 season following a blue green algae outbreak on the lake.

A red level alert was in place, requiring the dam to be closed to all water-based recreational activities until two consecutive water tests showed the presence of the algae to be at safe levels.

While the attraction was allowed to reopen in the New Year, this was delayed by closure of the water testing over the Christmas and New Year break and by the time it re-opened in early January, the peak of its operating season had passed.

Hickey then brought forward the season's end to mid February and packed up the park several weeks early.

Since then, he has been in talks with the Council to try to find a more efficient way to test the water.

While progress has been made, Hickey says the council has advised him to prepare a new water quality assurance plan and get it signed off by the appropriate NSW government department.

However, nothing new will be implemented in time for the scheduled return of the park, leaving him with no option but to cancel the 2024-25 season.

Hickey told the Western Advocate “it's too big of a risk. We can't because of the water testing.

"Until we can get something changed on this water testing ... it's not worth us opening."

The Bathurst Aqua Park Facebook page currently advises “due to council related water testing issues Bathurst Aqua Park will not be operating for the 2024/2025 Summer Season.

“Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

“We will see you for the 25/26 season.”

Image: The Bathurst Aqua Park. Credit: Facebook/Bathurst Aqua Park.