Money allocated for more accessible pool hoist

Gunnedah Shire Council has approved the purchase of new disability hoist in the budget of the Gunnedah Memorial Swimming Pool ceiling upgrade works.

The heated pool ceiling replacement was started in January this year.

The remaining contingency budget for the project was at $123,849, excluding GST.

Council approved in the February meeting an allocation of $21,280 excluding GST for the purchase of a Pelican Pool Sling Hoist.

Council was presented with a petition sent by Julie Frend at the meeting, urging a new pool hoist to be purchased.

Cr Kate McGrath, who had previously voiced her support for actioning the pool hoist purchase, was pleased to see another step being made for fruition.

“Looking at all the names in this petition we have received, obviously there is a huge amount of community support for this so I am absolutely delighted to see this come through as a recommendation,” Cr McGrath said.

Gunnedah Shire Council manager water services Michael Ludlow was invited to answer questions by councillors at the meeting.

The Pelican hoist has a wrap-around, which goes under the legs, making it unnecessary for an occupant to move from a wheelchair to the hoist.

Mr Ludlow clarified that the carer would strap the hoist occupant in before a pool staff member would control the hoist.

This is in contrast to the current hoist, which he stated at times requires three people to assist in helping someone use the hoist.

“[The Pelican hoist would require] one staff member to operate if necessary while the other staff member is still monitoring the pool,” Mr Ludlow said.

“This is a very economical way of doing it and a less intrusive way [for] the participants too.”

The hoist was recommended by a number of disability groups and all pool staff will be trained on how to use the hoist.

The heated pool required concrete work for the ceiling upgrade. This provided an opportunity to factor in the concrete pad needed for the pool hoist into the renovation plans and budget.

Mr Ludlow stated they did not know what decision would be made about the hoist, but they wanted to have it factored into the renovations in case it was needed.

Cr Robert Hoddle, Cr Linda Newell and Cr Cameron Moore voiced their support for the hoist.

“Well done to the staff for selecting something that was in budget and also that it is being funded out of the $123,000 contingency for the roof [which] is also pretty smart,” Cr Hoddle said.

The hoist chosen will benefit people with disabilities, the elderly and for those in need of injury recovery therapy.