The Forbes Heated Pool has been identified as having significant structural failures and has been ordered closed by the facility’s insurer.
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In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the Forbes Heated Pool Committee and Forbes Shire Council said the facility had been deemed unsafe by a structural engineer and they were awaiting further direction on interim and future use.
Forbes Heated Pool Incorporated has been a community run facility for 50 years. The committee had approached Council for assistance as the facility’s condition was declining and it is located on Crown Land.
Concerns regarding the building lead to the engagement of an independent structural engineer, whose report said, “the building as it currently stands in not safe for use by the public.”
“This is a devastating blow, it is such a valuable community asset, the heated pool is a well supported and much valued fixture in our community,” Forbes Shire Council General Manager Steve Loane said.
Heated Pool Committee President, David Hodder, says the safety of patrons is paramount.
“If we did not follow the order to close down the heated pool, we would be in a complete breach of public liability, the WHS Act and individuals could potentially face criminal charges if something were to happen,” Mr Hodder said.
Mr Hodder said the heated pool was used for everything from Learn to Swim to occupational therapy and rehabilitation, but is limited by its size. There are more than 722 individual users.
The heated pool was closed on Tuesday at 3.30pm and the heated pool committee has been contacting users and stakeholders.
“Our committee is committed to do what we can to make the facility structurally sound,” Mr Hodder said.
“All current members will receive their annual fees returned on a pro rata basis and we are working with Council for members to have free access to the town pool for the remainder of the season.”
The Heated Pool Committee and Council had already begun to identify and actively seek external funding to improve and upgrade the town’s pool precinct.
“Comparable townships to Forbes have planned and built eight lane, 25 metre multipurpose indoor facilities with all abilities access,” Mr Hodder said.
“Not only would our competitive swimming community take advantage of a top class year round competition pool but the needs of health care, social services, aged care, fitness and recreation needs could be met without interrupting their unique programs.”