All pools in the Ipswich City Council area will be closed from 5pm on Wednesday, 25 March.
The decision follows instructions last night from Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
This includes:
- Goodna Pool
- Bundamba Pool
- Leichhardt Pool
- Rosewood Pool
- Orion Lagoon
- Riverheart Parkland water play area; and
- Robelle Splash (privately owned and operated).
Managing director of Just Sports n Fitness Justin Lemberg, who manages each of the council-owned pools, said today he was ready to re-open as quickly as possible.
“We’re planning to open tomorrow, whenever tomorrow is,” he said.
“We know people want to be active. They want to exercise. It’s important to their physical and mental health, so we want to be sure to be there for people whenever we’re able.”
Ipswich City Council CEO David Farmer said it was disappointing that pools had to close.
“Orion Lagoon is a popular meeting spot, particularly in warmer weather and on weekends,” he said.
“This is a sign of the times, and the situation we are faced with is serious. It doesn’t come more serious.
“The Prime Minister and the chief health officer have made it quite clear that it is our civic duty to enact social distancing regulations, to ensure we’re abiding by social gathering restrictions, and respecting health and hygiene guidelines.”
Ipswich City Council will also close Ipswich Nature Centre today.
The centre was to close on March 30, but Tuesday night’s announcement has brought the date forward.
