Mylan Quach of Young will manage the Hydrotherapy Pool, after an agreement was made with the Harden Shire Council to re-open the facility within the next month.
Mylan will conduct consultations in the pool, several days of the week and it is expected that the facility will eventually operate up to 5 days per week.
The pool was closed 4 years ago and Council has been unable to find a replacement physiotherapist to make the centre viable long term.
The pertinent issue with the closure of the pool has been the electricty costs. The water needs to be set at 32 degrees and maintained at this temperature for it to provide the best outcome for the patients.
Mayor Chris Manchester said that a 12 month trial period would be put in place and that patronage of patients here and from surrounding areas would help determine the outcome. He said that an assessment will be done on power costs and that there is a possibility that alternative electricity generation may be looked at, so that the Centre can remain open and become a viable community asset.
Mylan may also sub-lease to other physiotherapists and Mayor Manchester said that the more the pool is open to the public and generating revenue the better the chance it has of remaining open. He said it would be great if it could operate at 6 or 7 days a week.
Local shop keeper Loretta Shea commented that when the pool was open she had many of the female patients who were using the facility, shop in her business and that other businesses also benefitted from the influx of people to the town.
The Neill St streetscape has been a talking point in other towns and this may result in residents from the surrounding areas spending their money on groceries, retail and other services whilst in town.
Future developments will be reported on in the Twin Town Times as they arise.
