Hi everyone!
I regret to inform all communities that our pool is experiencing delays at this moment and that we will not be opening on September 27 as planned due to circumstances beyond our control.
This delay is partly due to the paint manufacturer despatch system not being able to supply the paint readily as had been previously obtained. This effects a seven-day waiting time for the special purpose paint to dry as well as the four days for the time to fill and test the water quality.
I must say the committee, management/staff and even the contractors, are deeply saddened by the fact that the we cannot open on time for the start of the school holidays, as was arranged.
We realise the importance of the role in the community that the pool and aquatic theme park plays in our children's lives, particularly while on their holidays. We will open the pool as soon as we practically can, our new date for opening will be on October 4 for the 5 Star Olympic Pool and October 7 for the Aquatic Water Theme Park.
On a more positive note, I am very proud and overwhelmed to say that our pool is beginning to look fantastic. Our Swimming Pool Committee, community groups and especially the Walgett Shire Council will just not stop in rolling out the red carpet for the people of this community and other local communities, at a rough estimation of more than $90,000,00 in total on maintenance at your pool.
There is so much to offer all the people this year at their pool. I am also so very appreciative and thankful for the professionalism which the contractors and workers have shown so far towards this pool. They have shown great care in their work in your pool in which you will soon be able to see and appreciate.
Community organisations and volunteers performed a lot of work.
Our pool was a significant tourist attraction last year for the shire.
Based on the improvements this off-season, I expect the contribution of tourism will generate economic growth as small business owners will benefit as a result of this revitalised tourist attraction.
I know from last season that people from afar visit our pool. This will successfully result in positive economic growth for the entire shire and I commend the Walgett Shire Council for their contribution. To think this all started with five young girls raising funds.
Some of the new improvements this year include:
Safety modifications
o Improved security of all hazardous areas, including emergency services response keys created.
Elimination of all unnecessary hazardous materials (HAZMAT) and the division of HAZMAT into categories of oxidisers/petroleum products/acids and alkaline products. Chemical Contingency Plans in progress and Material Safety Data Sheets on open display for emergency services response.
o Management has extended an open invitation to the NSW Fire Brigades to conduct its training on the grounds and areas for exercises such as HAZMAT/Rescue operations. As a by-product of this, the pool will utilise response timings to assess and further refine policies and procedures. The same offer is extended to other emergency services such as the SES etc.
o Removal of rusted frame and structure with stairs to the big slide. This has been replaced with a new and safer designed structure dipped in hot galvanizing steel these new modifications have completely eliminated several separate minor incidences that occurred last year from ever happening again.
o Removal of an existing electrical hazard and the relocation of the electrical supply to a safer position.
o Insertion of artificial turf and cushioning to prevent children from falling backwards off the lily pads and striking their head on the concrete edges. While this has not happened yet we have taken a pro-active approach to safety.
o Safety signs, markers and annual risk assessment/analysis for increased user safety and awareness.
o Repairs to fibreglass structures.
Appearance and comfort
o Repairing and the repainting of all pools.
o Repainting of fibreglass structures
o Lots of new toys and games for the kids
o Light music will be available for the benefit of users.
o Improved appearance of barbecue area.
Health and Hygiene
o All pool tanks and gutters cleaned.
o Sunscreen/shade screen renewal
o Removal of all burrs and prickles.
o Management now has an insecticide and pesticide-free policy. We pluck the weeds out by hand, roots and all. We spray the spiders with water for the birds to eat well before you arrive.
Environmental and horticultural
o Returfing of lawn areas.
o Plumbing repairs.
o Removing all weeds and pests.
o Management has policies and practices in progress to promote a low-allergy environment.
o Management has policies and practices in progress to support the use of natural environmental friendly plants in order to deter pests.
o Management has an open policy in relation to water quality and testing and will continue to research better methods of providing the healthiest and most hygienic quality of water.
On behalf of the people of Lightning Ridge, the pool's patrons and visitors, I would like to thank the Walgett Shire Council, Swimming Pool Committee, all the staff and the contractors for their enthusiasm, motivation and professionalism in making this pool the best place to be this summer.
There are so many people to thank I could not name them all and I apologise to anyone I have missed.
A special thanks however to committee president Richard Mallouk. And Trudy Mallouk, Ian Woodcock, George Mulder, Knud and Torquil Nexo, David Poole, the workers Craig and Simmo, Sharon Mahoney for the "CDEP crew" and all the paint contractor guys, for their caring and professional approach and particularly Colin Keen and Anthony Leeder from Walgett Shire Council.
I must commend Ged Hutchison for his work in the uncomfortable conditions and specifically for doing the jobs no one else really wanted to do.
Mums and dads please tell your children this important news - the Big Frog has hibernated! It's now an indigenous corroboree frog. There appears to be other hibernations in progress as well!
Jamie Collins
Pool Manager
Thanks so much everyone - I am sure the locals and visitors will appreciate everything so much and last years users will not recognise their pool when they arrive this year- WOW!
Mums and dads please tell your children this important news - the Big Frog has hibernated! It's now an indigenous corroboree frog. There appears to be other hibernations in progress as well!
Jamie Collins
Pool Manager
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