Southside Canberra has been without a dedicated hydrotherapy facility since early 2020, but the ACT Government states that the hydrotherapy pool in Tuggeranong, announced last year, is “one step closer” to completion.
The ACT Government has appointed global engineering and architecture firm GHD to design and achieve development approval for the project.
Under the contract, GHD will produce detailed design documents, submit necessary development and other statutory applications, and prepare the construction tender.
“A lot of work has already gone into the early designs for the new facility, and GHD will now build on that to get the project ready for construction later this year,” health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said.
The ACT Government committed $8.5 million over three years in the last ACT Budget to design and build the new hydrotherapy facility, to be built next to the Tuggeranong Lakeside Leisure Centre, Greenway.
The Canberra Hospital hydrotherapy facility closed in February 2020, because the pool, built in the 1960s, was deemed unsustainable and expensive to maintain. In the October election, both the Canberra Liberals and ACT Labor pledged to build a new facility if elected.
- Southside residents call for hydrotherapy pool (20 June 2019)
- Liberals pledge $5 million for Deakin hydrotherapy pool (14 September 2020)
- Labor promises hydrotherapy pool for Tuggeranong (15 September 2020)
Beginning in 2021, the ACT Government is giving Arthritis ACT $305,000 over three years for 645 additional hydrotherapy sessions a year at Aqua Harmony, Kambah.
- Planning begins for southside hydrotherapy pool (26 June 2021)
Construction of the new facility is expected to start later this year, once construction goes to tender, and be completed in late 2024.
Ms Stephen-Smith said the final designs would take account of previous consultation and further engagement with stakeholders.
“This new facility will improve access for people on Canberra’s southside who require hydrotherapy services, and will complement the hydrotherapy facility at the University of Canberra Hospital,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“Hydrotherapy offers a vital service for a wide range of Canberrans. It provides people with mobility issues access to an important form of therapy; it helps people better manage chronic pain caused by illnesses such as cancer, migraine, osteoarthritis, and arthritis; and it offers the opportunity to help people recover from injury or surgery.”
