In a response to a question from State Member for Euroa Steph Ryan, Education Minister James Merlino identified the pool at Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre as a better option.
“The hydrotherapy pool’s appropriateness for the college was considered over several years, including a consultation process of two years with pool professionals, staff, its college council and community groups,” Mr Merlino said.
“While I appreciate that this has come as a disappointment to some community groups, the local community is encouraged to use the Mitchell Shire Council pool, which has trained staff to offer specialist services.
“I am advised that the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre ... offers similar, but more adequate facilities, as well as trained staff, to provide hydrotherapy sessions with a better experience for the students and the school.
“Given the proximity of the aquatic centre to the school, the school prefers to use this facility.”
Pool user and disability advocate Andrew Coulson was devastated by the news and said the closure had made a “permanent dent” in his life.
“It’s really taken out an option that I see as essential for someone with a long-term disability and health effects,” he said.
“(The Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre pool) is not heated and the heating relaxes the muscles automatically, which doesn’t happen at the pool.”
Mr Coulson was also concerned by the impact the closure would have on Seymour’s aged and disability community.
His concerns were shared by Ms Ryan.
“The Seymour community was completely shafted in the Victorian budget, not a cent to the community and not a cent to keep the hydro pool operational,” she said.
“Seymour’s hydro pool is highly specialised, with no substitute for so many individuals who rely on this for their rehabilitation and ongoing health.
“We now have a 10-year-old pool, in a standalone building, decommissioned and drained.
“Rather than funding the operation of the pool for the benefit of the community, we have another white elephant, due to the Andrews Government’s failure to stump up this small amount of money.
“The city-centric Andrews Government has cut funding across the board in health, with regional infrastructure and communities again left on the scrap heap.”
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