Moreton Bay pools and public lagoon to reopen on Saturday as restrictions ease

A southeast Queensland council is one of the first to announce its public pools and lagoon will be open this weekend. But there will be strict rules in place.

They have been closed for months but from Saturday those daring enough to brave the water will be able to hit the pools in the Moreton Bay region.

Moreton Bay Regional Council has announced it would reopen eight of its public swimming pools along with Settlement Cove Lagoon from Saturday.

It follows the reopening of skate parks, playgrounds and libraries last weekend.

Mayor Peter Flannery said it was only possible due to council agreeing to cover costs of all utilities and chemicals at its aquatic centres, to minimise the impact of forced COVID-19 closures.

“Our officers have worked collaboratively with our pool contract partner Belgravia Leisure to put measures in place that would allow us to reopen as quickly as possible,” Mayor Flannery said.

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Settlement Cove Lagoon at Redcliffe will reopen after closing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Strict regulations will be in place from the weekend to ensure it is safe for Moreton Bay residents to loosen up their shoulders and go for a swim again.”

There will be a maximum of 10 people per pool or one person per lane, with a 45-minute session limit at all pools.

Swimmers will have to book ahead by call their local centre.

Payments will have to be made electronically at the facility to minimise risk to staff and swimmers.

Settlement Cove Lagoon, at Redcliffe, will also reopen on Saturday.

Swimmers will be kept a close eye on by Royal Lifesaving Society of Queensland lifeguards.

Under an approved COVID-19 Safe plan the lagoon will be open to more than 10 people at a time. But social distancing will still be required.

“Council will continually review the situation and the message is clear – if residents want the Lagoon to remain open the must follow the guidelines in place,” Mayor Flannery said.

The aquatic facilities reopening this weekend are:

■ Albany Creek Leisure Centre

■ Bribie Island Aquatic Centre

■ Lawnton Aquatic Centre

■ North Lakes Aquatic Centre

■ Burpengary Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre

■ Caboolture Aquatic Centre

■ Ferny Hills Aquatic Centre

■ Settlement Cove Lagoon