Results of extensive investigations into the viability of the Olympic pool at Club Banora have been received and safety and remediation issues identified are significantly worse than expected. Whilst Twin Towns was planning the replacement of filtration systems, the reports confirm the problems extend far beyond a ‘quick fix’.

Whilst not apparent, major failures, distress and deterioration of the pool and related services and equipment, along with compliance issues, were cited in the reports.

Serious safety concerns, for members, contractors, staff, visitors and children, have forced the pool’s ongoing closure. It is now certain the facility cannot be made safe or compliant by the previously anticipated September reopening date.

Twin Towns Board of Directors and Management were extremely disappointed with the findings. They hope Twin Towns members, along with members of the community, understand the difficulties and nature of complexities that inevitably arise with a swimming pool that is almost four decades old.

The true costs of future-proofing the facility are considerably greater than expected. The only reasonable solution is a complete replacement, which would be the preferred outcome.

There are many similar situations across Queensland and New South Wales, where public pools have reached an end-of-life scenario and require a massive investment to rebuild and get them back up and running.

The Eagleby Aquatic Centre at Logan closed a few weeks ago because of similar problems. The Miami Aquatic Centre on the Gold Coast was recently redeveloped at a cost of around $18M. Current works underway at Palm Beach Aquatic Centre are estimated to cost over $20M.

Unlike these public pools, the Club is at a disadvantage without the financial support of local Councils or State or Federal Government funding to cover the costs.

Twin Towns built, have operated and maintained Oasis Pools as a broader community facility for close to 40 years. We certainly hope Government on one or more levels steps in to render financial assistance to help rectify and rebuild the Oasis Pools facility.

The Oasis Pools remains an integral part of  the Club Banora masterplan and redevelopment, and requires funding to become a reality.

The Board has determined that the scale of capital expenditure required to carry out the works cannot be justified as responsible use of the Club’s financial resources, which they are entrusted to manage on behalf of all members.

After 38 years as one of Twin Towns’ iconic sporting facilities, the Board and management sincerely regret the immediate loss of this amenity for members, the local community and  schools, which have enjoyed convenient access to Oasis Pools and its facilities at Banora Point.

The Twin Towns Board hopes the situation can be rectified with the assistance of government funding as soon as practical. They strongly urge members, and members of the community, to support the Club in lobbying all levels of Government to secure the future of Oasis Pools.

Twin Towns has developed a petition (see below) which is also available on the Twin Towns website and at Reception Desks at Twin Towns, Club Banora and Twin Towns Juniors. We encourage you to complete the form and provide your comments in support of Government funding.

Even if funding is confirmed, the rebuild will still be a multi-year process. The closest remaining Olympic size pool will be the Tweed Shire Council facility at Murwillumbah, which was redeveloped in 2008 at a cost of approximately $16M.

Aqua Bubs learn to swim classes will not be affected by the closure of the Olympic pool at this time.

We hope you will consider adding your support to Twin Towns’ petition for Government assistance.

Kind regards

Brian Brown
Board Chairman