¶ THE Mineworkers’ Memorial Pool remains indefinitely shut as investigations continue into a chlorine gas leak that led to the hospitalisation of a staff member.
The pool is scheduled to close for the season on Thursday, April 24, raising the prospect it will not reopen until the start of the 2025-2026 season later this year.
WorkSafe and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services have been investigating the March 16 incident, which resulted in the closure of a section of Throssell Street, in conjunction with shire staff.
Multiple triple zero calls were received shortly before 7pm, with Fire and Rescue Service crews dispatched to the pool, and a specialist team subsequently flown by helicopter from Perth to deal with the incident.
The leak, believed to be the first of its kind in WA, was contained and brought under control at 3am the following day.
Shire president Ian Miffling told the Bulletin investigations are ongoing, with “no final report yet as to cause or when the pool will be cleared for public use once again”.
“It's worth reiterating that the safety of the public and pool staff is paramount, so nothing will occur until such time as all clearances are to hand,” Cr Miffling said.
A WorkSafe spokesperson confirmed no conclusions have been reached.
“WorkSafe’s enquiries into the incident at the Collie swimming pool are ongoing and we are unable to provide further details at this time,” the spokesperson said.
Shire chief executive officer Phil Anastasakis previously advised that the pool will be reopened as soon as possible but no “short-cuts” would be taken.