Tuggeranong’s new $8.5 million state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool features 33-degree water, ramps and specialised change rooms. Photo: Nicholas Ward.
Tuggeranong’s long-awaited hydrotherapy pool is ready to open to the public after the government cut the ribbon on the $8.5 million project.
The pool, part of the Lakeside Leisure Centre, will open to the public on 25 August.
The development includes ramps to access the building and the pool, accessible bathrooms and change rooms, underfloor heating and safety railings.
The pool was officially opened by Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith, who cut the ribbon alongside community members at a ceremony on Monday (11 August).
“I really want to thank everyone who’s been involved in the consultation, the advocacy to get to this point, but also Monarch Building Solutions, who have built this state-of-the-art facility,” she said.
“So much work has gone into the co-design of this facility and then the technical specifications and the building of a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool for Canberra Southside.”
Tuggeranong Community Council president Glenys Patulny praised the new facility and the high level of consultation the government undertook with locals. She said that when she had her hip replacement, hydrotherapy made a big difference in her recovery.
“I think it’s fantastic actually having something here in Tuggeranong so you don’t have to go elsewhere,” she said.
“It made a big difference [to me], because it’s so much easier doing exercise in the pool than elsewhere, it complements it, so it’s really good … I’m actually looking forward to coming to have a dip if I can get in.”
Glenys Patulny said it was fantastic to see the new facility, but she wished she could have used it during her recovery from a hip replacement surgery. Photo: Nicholas Ward.
Hydrotherapy is a water-based exercise program using warm water to facilitate exercise and rehabilitation. It is used for various conditions, including arthritis, joint replacement recovery and chronic pain.
The importance of hydrotherapy for recovery and exercise is also supported by Arthritis ACT. Exercise physiologist Sophie Bullock said that the new facility would let them help more people.
“It’s actually so exciting, to be honest. It’s been a long day coming, and we’re very excited that it’s here … There are so many clients who would probably jump in right now if they were here!” Ms Bullock said.
The development has been on the cards for a long time.
First announced in 2020 following the closure of the Canberra Hospital facility, construction commenced last year and, despite delays, was kept under budget.
Ms Stephen-Smith acknowledged that it had taken a long time but said the government had prioritised getting the development right.
“It has taken a bit of a while to get to this point, and part of the reason for that is because we engaged so closely with the community around the location and co-design of this facility,” she said.
“Consumers were really clear that it needed to be close to the front entrance. Consumers were clear that it needed to have a deeper deep end. And consumers were clear that it needed to have really accessible changing places.
“So this is a state-of-the-art facility for the people of Canberra, south, and particularly in Tuggeranong, and it will last for decades to come.”
While the opening is a cause for celebration for many on the south side, there are some concerns about the availability of facilities to the wider community.
Calvary John James Hospital has confirmed that its hydrotherapy pool will close when construction on a new rehabilitation gym gets underway.
Ms Stephen-Smith addressed these concerns, saying that the government would continue working with providers to ensure Canberrans got the services they needed.
However, this closure could have wider impacts on availability. According to Ms Bullock, the existing facilities are insufficient to meet the demand they are experiencing.
“Realistically, there needs to be another [hydrotherapy pool]. With all of our sessions, I can’t remember the exact number of sessions we run, but close to 40 to 50 sessions a week are all full,” she said.
“So that’s probably close to 500 people, which we’re trying to circle through, and probably at least double that demand that still need to be able to come in and access the pool.”
The Tuggeranong hydrotherapy pool will open to the public on 25 August. Access will cost $15 per hour or $7.50 per hour for pensioners. Details and booking inquiries for the new facility can be found at Lakeside Leisure.
