Wendy Bourne MP, State Member for Ipswich West, has formally lodged a community petition with Ipswich City Council calling for year-round access to the Rosewood Anzac Aquatic Centre.
The beloved community facility closes from April-September each year, leaving families and individual swimmers without a local swimming facility for five months of the year. As it stands, locals will only be able to access the pool for another 12 weeks, before the nearly half-year long shutdown.
The petition, which garnered over 200 signatures and was backed by strong local support both in person and online, urges Council to address the long-standing issue of the pool’s seasonal closure, which currently sees the facility shut over winter due to inadequate heating.
Ms Bourne said the petition was launched following repeated concerns raised by locals at her mobile offices and community events, and represents a clear message from the community that the seasonal closure is not acceptable.
Ms Bourne called on Ipswich City Council to listen to the community and commit to practical solutions, including improved heating, that would allow the pool to remain open throughout the year, and confirmed that she will continue to advocate on behalf of Rosewood residents, seeking a clear response and timeline from Council regarding the future operation of the pool.
Quotes attributable to Wendy Bourne MP, State Member for Ipswich West
“Rosewood residents have made it clear that the Rosewood Pool is not a seasonal luxury – it’s a vital facility. Families, seniors, school children and local swim clubs rely on this facility year-round.”
“Ipswich is the fastest growing region in Queensland. It makes no sense that a growing community like Rosewood is left without access to its only public pool for nearly half the year. People should not have to travel out of town to stay active or ensure their kids can continue swimming lessons.”
“Every other public swimming pool in the Ipswich area is open year-round. Rosewood residents are only asking for their facility to be treated the same as others in our electorate.”
“I will continue to advocate on behalf of our community. I thank each and every one of you who has advocated so hard for this important issue, and I urge Council to listen to our residents and keep the pool open year-round”.
For media inquiries, please contact ipswich.west@parliament.qld.gov.au.
