Covid Gold Coast: Upper Coomera Aquatic Centre closed, Council latest hit in staffing shortage crisis

One of the Gold Coast’s most popular public pools will have its reopening delayed even further as the Council’s staff is hit hard by Covid.

One of the Gold Coast’s most popular public pools will have its reopening delayed even further as the Council’s staff is hit hard by Covid.

The Upper Coomera Aquatic Centre was set to reopen to the public on Monday, but Deputy Mayor Donna Gates has revealed it will remain closed for another week, along with its cafe.

“I’m hanging out for something positive to write to you all. Sorry to say that Cuppa Coomera Cafe at the Upper Coomera Centre is now also closed due to Covid related staff shortages,” she said.

“So at this stage, pending further advice, the new opening date for activities at the Upper Coomera Aquatic Centre is Monday 17 January.

“I guess we all knew Covid was coming once the borders opened - but did anyone think we would experience an Omicron tsunami?”

Covid staffing woes hit Coast lifeguards

The Gold Coast City Council will consider reducing patrol hours on beaches as its lifeguard team is stretched to breaking point with Covid infections.

Council staff have been forced to isolate and take leave with the highly infectious Omicron strain in the past three weeks.

The rapid spread of infection has forced council to temporarily close one of its most popular community venues – the Upper Coomera Aquatic Centre.

And it is considering further measures if more of its staff are unable to work.

Deputy Mayor Donna Gates said: “More lifeguards have Covid-19 and the pool will now be closed at Upper Coomera until 10 January at best.

Deputy Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates. Picture: Jerad Williams

“Clearly we need healthy staff and at the moment, have only enough to keep Pimpama open.

“Not the start to the New Year we’d hoped for, I’m sure.”

The Gold Coast on Thursday recorded 1708 new cases of Covid, of the 10,332 across the state.

Council has refused to reveal how many of its staff are ill but a city spokeswoman said there were “comprehensive business continuity plans in place” to minimise the impact of Covid, including changes to rosters and the prioritisation of key services.

“There has been no reduction to city lifeguard services at beaches at this stage but if required, the city will assess the need for reduced patrols and/or patrol hours,” she said in a statement.

“The city will continue to work closely with Surf Lifesaving Queensland to minimise impacts where possible and reminds beach goers to only swim between flagged areas during this period.

“The temporary closure of Upper Coomera Aquatic Centre was due to staffing impacts, with available staff redeployed to alternate aquatic centres.

“The city will continue to assess staffing levels across its aquatic centres and major sporting Venues and manage services as required.”

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