Clear Waters For Millaroo Community

The controversial closure of the Millaroo community swimming-pool outraged the small township earlier this year, but headway has now been made thanks to open discussions between Millaroo representatives and the Burdekin Shire Council.

A meeting was held this week to explore alternatives to the swimming-pool, with the Council willing to consider other community centred facilities.

They are, however, firmly sticking to their decision to close the swimming-pool permanently.

Frustrations within the community group have simmered considerably, with many Millaroo residents pleased to be working collaboratively and constructively with Council.

Some, however, are still saddened that they no longer have a local swimming-pool.

It was in May this year that the swimming-pool closed for the winter months, a letter sent to residents informing them of the change.

“Everyone used to gather at the pool,” said local resident Jody MacDonald.

“We’d bring down a Weber and a pack of sausages and we all use to spend time together as a community.”

Residents now have to drive 20 minutes to the closest swimming-pool in Clare and are worried that if rumours are true that Council also plan to close this pool, they will need to drive even further into Ayr.

Thankfully Council have confirmed $150,000 will soon be spent on upgrading the Clare pool.

In regards to the Millaroo pool, however, Council states that because it is about 50 years old and coming to the end of its useful life, there was no guarantee of structural integrity moving forward.

Council asserts that it was closed because of “public safety” and that they engaged with a “specialist sport and recreation firm to undertake a review of all Council’s swimming pools”.

“The decision was backed by relevant information and analysis,” said a spokesperson.

“The unacceptable public safety risk, coupled with relatively low usage and significant works to bring the pool up to an acceptable standard, necessitated immediate action to ensure the well-being of the public.

“In addition to the public safety concerns, the Strategy identified that the pool’s pebblecrete finish had reached the end of its useful life, the pool shell is aging and the chemical dosing equipment needed to be replaced.”

Meanwhile, Ms MacDonald says that it was Council’s responsibility to maintain the pool in the first place to ensure it did not reach this level of disrepair.

She also says that the condition of the pool was the reason it was under-used.

Despite the undercurrent of frustration, however, the community has contributed to positive talks with Council who say they are willing to “design, fund and implement alternate community recreation activities in the township”.

On the table, are other facilities that aim to bring the small rural community together.

These include a stage and soundshell at the site which will provide a location for small music festivals and other community events.

Residents are also keen to encourage more visitation to the township and would like to see comfort facilities established.

These include an Up River Trail between Millaroo and Dalbeg where chairs, BBQs and other amenities will be provided for tourists along the way.

Discussions are still underway with projects well received by Council.

It is hoped these discussions will form the basis of a community action plan for Council to work collaboratively with Millaroo residents to implement.

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The recent council meeting to discuss future plans with Millaroo community members: L-R: Mayor Lyn McLaughlin, Gemma Petersen, Gillian Harris, John Bonanno, Michael Detenon, Stephanie Tudehope, David Hurst, Jody Macdonald, Sue Perry, Peter Malpass and Anthony Darouti.

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