Changes to operations at local aquatic facilities

The Maryborough Aquatic Centre will operate on reduced hours on weekends and Friday afternoons until more staff are recruited and trained, while TotSide and the waterslides at WetSide Water Park in Hervey Bay have been closed for electrical maintenance.

Fraser Coast Regional Council Director Strategy, Community and Development Gerard Carlyon said reducing hours at the Maryborough Aquatic Centre was “regrettable but necessary” to maintain appropriate safety and supervision standards.

“Like many organisations and businesses, Council is facing recruitment challenges in this tight employment market,” he said.

“Just as restaurants and cafes have to reduce their hours if they don’t have enough staff, we also have to reduce hours at the facilities we run if we don’t have enough staff.

“Council has recruited some additional lifeguards but we still need more, and our biggest challenge is having enough qualified and experienced staff to provide the appropriate level of supervision at our aquatic venues.

“This is a problem confronting the aquatics industry right across Australia and internationally.

“Council has ramped up our recruitment efforts through special ‘Try Then Apply Days’ and at the Maryborough Markets while we are also providing training support for successful applicants.

“Regular operating hours will resume as soon as we have enough staff recruited and trained.”

The Maryborough Aquatic Centre is now open on weekends from 8am to 12 noon. 

The centre will also operate on reduced hours on Fridays, opening from 5.30am to 12pm on Friday 15 December 2023 and from 5.30am to 2.30pm from Friday 22 December 2023 onwards.

Mr Carlyon said TotSide and the waterslides at WetSide Water Park had been closed for electrical maintenance.

“We will endeavour to have this maintenance work done as soon as possible, but it may mean these parts of WetSide will potentially be closed for several weeks,” he said.

“The main arena and Aqua Ninja will remain open, with the hours of the Aqua Ninja adventure course extended from 10am to 2pm to 10am to 5pm while the slides are unavailable.

“We appreciate that making these changes during summer will cause disappointment, but the safety of those attending and working at our aquatic facilities must be and is our highest priority.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and thank everyone for their patience as we work to ensure these fantastic facilities can be run as safely and effectively as possible.”