The Nationals WA: Government must release hydrotherapy pool study and commit to Albany community

The State Government must provide clarity and leadership on the future of the hydrotherapy pool at Albany Health Campus, which has been closed for some time with no clear plan for reopening.

For many years, the Albany Health Campus hydrotherapy pool played a vital role in rehabilitation and treatment for people living with disability, injury and chronic illness.

Its closure has left a significant gap in essential healthcare services for the Albany community, particularly for those who rely on hydrotherapy as part of their recovery and long-term health management.

Since the closure, community concern has continued to grow. I have been advocating on this issue for some time, meeting with government agencies, raising the matter directly with the Minister, and ensuring it remains firmly on the Government’s agenda.

WA Country Health Service has now completed an independent feasibility study into the future of the hydrotherapy pool, including community engagement, of which I was a part.

Public money has been spent on this process and the community has contributed their time, lived experience and expertise. It is now entirely reasonable for Albany to expect the results and recommendations to be released without further delay.

Albany is an ageing community, located a considerable distance from alternative treatment options. Hydrotherapy is not a discretionary service; it is essential healthcare that supports rehabilitation after surgery or injury, management of chronic conditions, and maintenance of mobility and independence, particularly for older Western Australians.

Suggestions by the Minister that the BodyCare Physiotherapy hydrotherapy pool could serve as an alternative are simply not adequate. While it is a valued local facility, it does not have the appropriate accessibility features, hoists, or capacity to safely accommodate people with disability, bariatric patients or those with severely limited mobility. The service is already operating at capacity and recommending an inaccessible option effectively excludes the people who rely most on hydrotherapy.

The Government now has a responsibility to act. The feasibility study was completed months ago. The community has been consulted. What is missing is transparency, commitment and a clear path forward.

I am calling on the State Government and WA Country Health Service to:

• Immediately release the feasibility study and its recommendations; and

• Commit to reopening or delivering an accessible, fit-for-purpose hydrotherapy pool for Albany in the community’s best interest.

Albany deserves equitable access to essential health infrastructure. The community has waited long enough. It is time for the Government to provide answers and act.