South Canberra residents will benefit from a new state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool at a new Wellness Centre in south Canberra.

A Canberra Liberals Government will partner with the John James Foundation and MS Australia by contributing $5 million for a hydrotherapy pool for the new ACT Wellness Centre due to be built in Deakin. 

Despite paying world class taxes, Canberrans aren’t receiving world class health services. Ever since the premature closure of the popular hydrotherapy pool at the Canberra Hospital, hydrotherapy patients in Canberra’s south have experienced significant disruptions to health care. Because of their physical conditions, they cannot easily travel long distances to access this valued health service.

The Leader of Canberra Liberals Alistair Coe said only the Canberra Liberals will deliver lower taxes and better local services. 

“We want to make Canberra the best place to live, work and raise a family,” Mr Coe said. 

“That’s why we’re committed to providing Canberrans with easy access to nation-leading, but locally focused health services.

“Canberrans pay world class taxes, they should have access to the best local health services,” Mr Coe said. 

Shadow Health Minister Vicki Dunne said the Canberra Liberals had been in discussions about the Wellness Centre and a possible government involvement since early 2019.

“With the closure of the pool at the Canberra Hospital, everyone agrees that there is a great need for this important health service in the south,” Mrs Dunne said. “The great shame is that action has not been taken earlier to get this project underway.”

“The development of the new wellness hub by the John James Foundation and MS Australia will be a valuable asset for the community, and the Canberra Liberals are proud to commit $5 million for the inclusion of a hydrotherapy pool.

The Wellness Centre will provide a range of integrated services with neurological disorders and musculoskeletal conditions and will be a particular boon for ageing members of the community.

Shadow Assistant Minister for Health and Member for Murrumbidgee Giulia Jones has long campaigned for hydrotherapy health services in south Canberra. 

“Today’s announcement is a win for the hydrotherapy community,” Mrs Jones said. 

“Hydrotherapy is exactly the kind of early prevention health service that we need more of.

“The health benefits of hydrotherapy are clear, not only for patients but also for the substantial savings it can bring to the health system.

“This is an important preventative health intervention that improves the mobility and comfort for so many people, especially the elderly.

“People suffering chronic arthritis, muscular or skeletal pain or recovering from injury have been left in the lurch with few alternative solutions since the Canberra Hospital pool closed.  

“Today’s announcement is about improving the quality of life for those suffering from chronic pain and injury,” Mrs Jones said.