THE Mornington Island children may be surrounded by water but it is known for its sharks, crocodiles and stingrays.
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And, with no swimming pool on the island, the children have no safe place to swim.
A suggestion to Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion during a visit to the island in May has sparked a drive for the Mornington Island aquatic fun park.
Mr Scullion was asked by students if they could learn to swim in a pool like other Australian children.
The Mornington Island council later consulted with its Year 7 students recently to gain support for the project.
Suggestions from students including enforcing a gold coin fee for the aquatic park to help with maintenance.
One student said; “we need a pool so we can safely learn to swim and we need a park with slides, monkey bars, rock walls and tunnels for the younger kids to play on.”
Another student asked: “can we put seats and tables in the area so mums can laugh and play with their babies and be surrounded by trees with colourful graffiti to inspire our imaginations?”
Mornington Shire Mayor Brad Wilson said the council needed to improve facilities for its children but that it was hindered by finance.
“As an Australian local government body that receives no rates revenue, the biggest challenge here in the Wellesley Island group is obtaining Queensland and Commonwealth support, but council is working hard on delivering for the Gununa children. They are our future,” Cr Wilson said.
