Mount Isa City Council say Splashez Aquatic Centre will not be reopened for the September school holidays.
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Cr Peta McRae said the pool would be closed for longer than expected due to “unforeseen earth work issues”.
She was unable to give an expected completion date.
The Pool was closed a month ago for maintenance and facility upgrades before Council identified extensive leaks and a damaged and deeply embedded storm water pipe under the pool which required large excavations and removal of concrete slabs.
“When we started refurbing the pool with the excavator, there were some plumbing issues – part of the pool was actually sinking,” Cr McRae said.
“It’s going to take a lot more work than we initially assessed but it’s important we get the job done thoroughly so down the track there’s not any further leaks.”
Mayor Joyce McCulloch said it was unfortunate the repairs would mean a longer closure.
“We are actually glad that we found this damage now, while maintenance was being undertaken, as it could have had disastrous consequences in the future,” Cr McCulloch said.
“We are deeply saddened that the pool will not be opened for our patrons and kids during the September school holidays, but I can promise that when the pool reopens, it will be better than ever before.”
The current upgrades include a brand new entrance, facade, and kiosk, which will service and integrate the Family Fun park and Skate park.
It will feature extensive upgrades to change rooms, retiling, a refurbished meeting room and grandstand, installation of disabled lift and access chair, resurfacing of interface between fun park, skate park, and pool area, installation of barbecues and shade structures, relocation and upgrade of first aid room, and landscaping upgrades.
Cr MacRae said the community would be excited when the Aquatic Centre was unveiled.
“At the moment the change rooms have been gutted and will be modernised, tiled and the men’s urinals will be replaced,” she said.
“Through community consultation it was recognised that a space for memorabilia of former Mount Isa swimming greats was needed, the grandstand has been repainted in vivid colours with a meeting room underneath, to be used for pool parties or community groups.
The Council have shortlisted potential managers for the facility with interviews starting soon.
