Albany needs a hydro-therapy pool

01/04/2026

HI all, recently received this via email answering my 2 page letter from a few weeks ago. I'll probably get the Feasibility Study that I requested under the Freedom of Information Act before we hear anything more about their plans.

20/03/2026

Thankyou Michelle Kinsella - WA . for your suggestion to apply for the feasibility study to be released under the Freedom of Information act.
Done and notification they have received my email request. Hopefully it doesn't take six months to access.

19/03/2026

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Its been 6 months since WA Country Health received the Albany Health Campus Hydro-therapy feasibility study. I have sent a letter (below) to politicians, health departments employees and local government.
If we do not hear from them, we will need to escalate our actions. This may include organising a protest outside the hospital, speaking on local radio, appearing on television, and engaging with the media through the newspaper.

ARE YOU WITH US?

Mr Jeffrey Moffat
Chief Executive
WA Country Health Service (WACHS)

Dear Mr Moffat,

Subject: Request for Release of Albany Health Campus Hydrotherapy Pool Feasibility Study

I am writing to formally request the release of the feasibility study regarding the re-opening of the Albany Health Campus Hydrotherapy Pool. This study, conducted by GIG Consulting was completed and provided to WA Country Health Service (WACHS) in September 2025,

As a disability advocate who was consulted as part of this process, alongside long-time campaigner Veronica Hare from the Albany branch of the Arthritis Foundation of WA whereby we contributed documentation and supporting evidence demonstrating the critical need for the pool’s re-opening.

I have extensive personal, volunteer, and professional experience that reinforces my understanding of this need to re-open the pool as I: (I listed 11 dot points)

Veronica has been campaigning for the pool’s re-opening since its closure in 2023. Prior to closing, the facility was heavily utilised by people living with arthritis, schools, and support agencies. It provided essential services for rehabilitation and ongoing therapy, and demand remains strong.

Despite repeated efforts, including requests from the Member for Albany, Scott Leary MLA, including a Question on Notice to the Minister for Health, the feasibility study has not been released over the past six months. This lack of transparency is deeply concerning.
At the same time, significant government funding continues to be allocated to projects that primarily benefit able-bodied users, including:
• Southern Ocean Surf Reef at Middleton Beach – $13 million+
• Albany Regional Tennis Centre (Stage 1) – $1.325 million
• Albany Motorsport Park – over $13 million to date, with projections of an additional $50 million required.

This raises serious concerns about equity, inclusion, and prioritisation of funding for people living with disabilities.

Initially, it was assumed that WACHS was taking the necessary time to secure funding and prepare for an announcement following the study. However, the continued delay now gives the impression that the release of the findings is stalled indefinitely, with the expectation that community advocacy will diminish over time.

I respectfully request that the feasibility study findings be released as a matter of urgency. The community deserves transparency, and those who rely on this vital service deserve to be heard.

Please be advised that if the report is not released or any notification of when, the community campaign re-start again in late April as we have waited long enough.

Janet McArtney
Disability Advocate – Albany

Scott Leary MLA - Member for Albany

14/03/2026

Could you please comment on this why we need the hydro-therapy pool opened. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CYSRTRgiL/

06/03/2026

For anyone who needs support while waiting for the hydrotherapy pool.

Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA is pleased to announce the commencement of the new Albany Arthritis Support Group, designed to bring people together in a safe, welcoming environment.
Do you live in or near Albany and have an arthritis-related condition?
Are you interested in attending a monthly Arthritis Support Group, meeting on a Thursday morning from 10:00am to 11:30am?
If so, we’d love to hear from you.
Living with arthritis can be challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
Joining a support group gives you the opportunity to:
• Talk freely about your experiences and feelings in a non-judgmental space
• Socialise and make new friends
• Share helpful hints and practical tips
• Give and receive encouragement and support.
Many people find that being part of a group creates a sense of belonging and connection with others who truly understand.
People like Kerry and Suzie have already experienced the benefits of attending similar groups:
“I find attending the support group to be a positive and motivating experience! There is inspiration to be gained by speaking with others coping well with their condition.” — Kerry
“Everyone has something to give through advice, friendship, comfort, and encouragement. I have learned many ‘tips and tricks’ that helped me gain back some independence!” — Suzie
The group will be facilitated by a trained volunteer leader who is also living with an arthritis-related condition. Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA will provide free resources, ongoing support, and administration, along with a central venue (details to follow once registrations are received).
If you’re interested in possibly attending, please register your interest here: https://www.arthritiswa.org.au/event/new-albany-arthritis-support-group/
Once you have registered, we’ll be in touch with venue details and next steps before the first meeting on 9th April.
We hope you’ll consider joining us.

05/03/2026

Thankyou Scott Leary for continuing to fight alongside with us.Scott Leary MLA - Member for Albany

https://www.nationalswa.com/opinion-months-of-silence-on-albany-hydrotherapy-pool-shows-pattern-of-delay/ #:~:text=Member%20for%20Albany%2C%20Scott%20Leary,the%20status%20of%20the%20pool.

Feb242026Press Releases Member for Albany, Scott Leary MLA, says the State Government’s continued failure to provide a clear answer on the future of the Albany Health Campus hydrotherapy pool demonstrates a troubling pattern of delay that is leaving patients without vital rehabilitation services. ...

14/01/2026

Thankyou again Scott Leary MLA - Member for Albany for your ongoing support.

13/01/2026

Thankyou for your support Albany Advertiser todays paper P1 & 3
Scott Leary MLA - Member for Albany

10/01/2026

Thankyou Albany Advertiser for your ongoing support by keeping this situation in the public eyes.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bym66r193/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Pressure is rising to decide on the future of Albany’s hydrotherapy pool as the Albany MLA joins community advocates calling for the State Government to release the results of a feasibility study

07/01/2026

Thanks Scott Leary MLA - Member for Albany for being part of the push to re-open.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1K9Yytzi57/

Hydrotherapy Pool at Albany Health Campus.

Our community, especially people living with disability, injury, and chronic illness have been calling for this vital facility to be made available. I’ve been advocating, meeting with government agencies and have contacted the Minister to make sure this issue stays on the government’s agenda.

The current government has now completed a feasibility study into the future of the hydrotherapy pool. I am waiting for the results and recommendations to be released.

Suggesting the Bodycare pool as an alternative is not good enough. Although a great facility, it does not have the appropriate accessibility features or hoists required for people with disability to use it safely. Recommending an inaccessible option excludes the very people who rely most on hydrotherapy.

Hydrotherapy is not a luxury, it is essential healthcare for rehabilitation.
Albany deserves an accessible, fit-for-purpose hydrotherapy pool.

12/12/2025

Hi all,
Could you all complete this, as every little bit of information will help with future planning of a hydrotherapy pol at ALAC. Please write ‘done’ in the comments on this post.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BhY2u15ay/?mibextid=wwXIfr

What does a healthier, happier Albany look like to you?

The City of Albany is developing a Health and Wellbeing Plan and we want to hear from you.

While State Government agencies are primarily responsible for the health and well-being of community members, local governments can also improve health and well-being through the range of services they provide.

This is your opportunity to help us set priorities to improve health and well-being for everyone. Your feedback will help the City to identify and prioritise actions that have the greatest positive impact on our community.

Complete the short survey and go into the draw to win one of three $100 supermarket gift cards.

🔗 https://bit.ly/48DCyRt

06/12/2025

Hi all,

We’ve contacted the Western Australia Country Health Service (WACHS) and received an update. They confirmed that the feasibility study for the Hydrotherapy pool space has been completed, and the report with recommendations is currently under review.

It’s not the update we were hoping for, but it’s still movement. We were initially told we’d have an outcome not long after the feasibility study was submitted some months ago, but unfortunately we’re still waiting. That said, the delay may actually be a positive sign, if they weren’t interested, we likely would have received a quick “no.” The longer timeframe suggests they may still be working through funding or solution options. We know the statistics are firmly in our favour, they cant say that's not a fact.

With the holiday season approaching, nothing is likely to happen before or during January. Let’s hope the wait ends up being worth it.

All the best for the holiday season, and let’s hope we get a late Christmas present from WACHS!

Best wishes.
Veronica & Janet