Albany needs a hydro-therapy pool

24/04/2026

I know how to use it, re-open the hydrotherapy pool!
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CXM27mRLN/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The remaining $59 million to fully fund the vital expansion of the Albany Health Campus will be included in the upcoming 2026-27 State Budget, the State Government announced this week.

24/04/2026

Will they have enough money to re-open the much needed hydrotherapy pool?

04/04/2026

Again funds for the well and able.
Does the health minister not know how to put their hand up like the sports minister does all the time? https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GoBbk6tPw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Albany to get artificial reef for recreational fishing 🎣

The State government has announced $1.4 million in funding to build an artificial reef in the King George Sound.

The new fishing hotspot will be located about nine kilometres east of Albany, offshore from Ledge Beach, and will be designed to support local species like silver trevally, samson fish, harlequin, salmon, whiting and squid.

Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis said the government was reinvesting revenue from fishing licencing fees into recreational fishing.

"Artificial reefs provide high quality fishing experiences, while also creating unique tourism opportunities that support local businesses and deliver lasting benefits for regional communities," she said.

The Albany reef will be second of its kind for the south coast, after the Cooper Reef in Esperance, and the ninth for Western Australia.

The City of Albany will lead the tender process for the design and build of the reef, which should be in place by early 2027.

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