Released 07/09/2023
Canberra’s new southside hydrotherapy pool has reached its latest milestone, with the development application now open for public consultation.
The new facility at the Lakeside Leisure Centre in Greenway will improve access for people on Canberra’s southside needing hydrotherapy services. Construction is expected to start this year and be completed in 2024.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said consultation with stakeholders and the wider community has informed the latest designs.
“The ACT Government has been carefully developing detailed designs for the facility in consultation with consumers and experts, and we’re pleased to have submitted the development application,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“The new hydrotherapy pool will be a modern facility that meets the needs of the community now and in the years to come.
“Early this year, the proposed design was presented to pool users and other stakeholders to seek feedback.
“In response, and as part of the final design, we have included enhanced shower facilities, an accessible gender-inclusive change room and additional seating around the pool.
“With the development application now open for public consultation, the project remains on track to deliver important therapeutic support for people on Canberra’s southside next year.”
Hydrotherapy helps people better manage chronic pain caused by illnesses such as cancer, migraine, osteoarthritis and arthritis, as well as supporting people to recover from injury or surgery.
The ACT Government committed $8.5 million over three years in the 2022-23 ACT Budget for the design and construction of the new hydrotherapy facility, which will complement the hydrotherapy facility at the University of Canberra Hospital.
The DA for the facility is available for community members to view and comment on until 22/09/2023.
For more information about the designs of the facility, visit www.builtforcbr.act.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Rebecca Davey, CEO of Arthritis ACT:
“Arthritis, Pain Support & ME/CFS ACT are pleased to see that this long needed and awaited infrastructure project is finally coming to fruition. We look forward to cost-effective and accessible hydrotherapy being available to the entire community in Canberra’s south.
“This type of infrastructure is imperative in supporting those in our community with any sort of chronic pain condition, be it related to arthritis, other disability or injury recovery.
“A dose of hydrotherapy leads to much better health and wellbeing outcomes than taking pills and being isolated in your home because of the effect of poor pain management.”
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases