Council to spend $900,000 repairing Towradgi ocean pool

Towradgi Pool

ALMOST $900,000 will be spent by Wollongong City Council repairing the Towradgi Rock Pool.

Councillors on April 6 unanimously agreed to engage contractor Dynamic Civil Pty Ltd to replace a number of damaged concrete slabs, low retaining walls and stairs to the concourse area, including associated works to the top of the Towradgi pool walls.

With the restrictions on meetings and social distancing due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Wollongong councillors met for the first time via Skype. Only the Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery, General Manager Greg Doyle and essential staff to manage meeting governance, including the webcast and recording of the meeting, remained in the Council Chambers. Senior staff who attend the meeting will also join the meeting via Skype.

The works at Towradgi rock pool will see the replacement of a number of concrete slabs, low retaining walls and stairs to the concourse area including associated works to the top of the adjacent pool walls.

The pool steps and handrails will also be replaced along with modification works to the existing block wall. Additionally, construction of a new external concrete wall to protect the existing pool valve in the south-east corner of the pool will also take place.

Although there was some councillor concern over the amount of $882,399 needed for the repairs, it was pointed out that the works would renew the life of the concourse and would maintain the pools structural integrity.

Cr Janice Kershaw said the pool was well used by locals, especially residents of the nearby nursing home, and the money would be well spent.

“The community love this pool,” Cr Kershaw said.

In prior years, Council has undertaken replacement of failed sections of the concourse and replacement of parts of the main pool shell and base slab. The project is to continue and complete the replacement of the degraded concrete sections.

The work focusses on cracks that have appeared in the main pool wall, toddlers pool and the first level of the concourse, and will ensure the structural integrity of the area is maintained.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said the work will be carried out over the winter months to ensure it’s ready for next summer.

“All our rock pools are subject to extreme environmental conditions such as wave impact and accelerated corrosion. It is important to stay on top of this through a schedule of maintenance across our nine rock pools” Cr Bradberry said.

“The pool itself has been part of the community since the 1960s and is a favourite spot for tourists and locals alike. It’s important that we look after these wonderful outdoor spaces so that they can continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.”

The works will take place from early May 2020 and extend over the winter months. It is anticipated that the work will be finished in September pending suitable tide and weather conditions.