A Cairns councillor has launched an impassioned defence of a beloved Far North Queensland swimming hole, warning that plans to close it would tear the very soul from the town.
Cairns Regional Councillor Edwina Farley has publicly opposed a proposal to decommission the Babinda Pool, a popular community hub located in the town's picturesque parklands. The potential closure is part of broader council considerations regarding the future of several ageing aquatic facilities across the region.
A Community Hub Under Threat
Councillor Farley, who represents the division encompassing Babinda, argues the pool is far more than just a place to swim. She describes it as the social and emotional centrepiece of the community, where generations have gathered, children have learned to swim, and residents have connected.
"Closing the Babinda Pool is not just about closing a facility; it's about ripping the heart and soul out of the town," Cr Farley stated emphatically. She highlighted that for many locals, especially those without access to private transport or air conditioning in the humid tropics, the pool is an essential refuge and a vital piece of community infrastructure.
The Babinda Pool, while cherished, is understood to be one of several facilities reviewed by the Cairns Regional Council due to significant maintenance costs and necessary future upgrades. A report is expected to come before the council, outlining options that could range from refurbishment to permanent closure.
Economic and Social Ripple Effects
The councillor's warning extends beyond sentiment to practical economic and social consequences. She fears the closure would have a devastating impact on local businesses that benefit from the foot traffic the pool generates, particularly during school holidays and weekends.
Furthermore, Cr Farley pointed to the critical role the pool plays in community health, safety, and wellbeing. "Where do our kids go to learn to swim? Where do families gather to relax together? This isn't a luxury; for Babinda, it's a necessity," she said. The loss of the pool could exacerbate issues of social isolation and reduce opportunities for physical activity in the town.
The community's reaction has been one of strong concern. Long-term residents and young families alike have expressed their attachment to the facility, sharing memories and emphasising its importance to the town's identity and liveability.
A Call for Council to Reconsider
Cr Farley is urging her fellow councillors and the broader Cairns Regional Council administration to look beyond the balance sheet and consider the unique value of community assets in smaller towns like Babinda. She advocates for a solution that preserves the pool, suggesting that investment in the facility is an investment in the town's future cohesion and vitality.
"We need to think about what makes a community tick," she argued. "In Babinda, the pool is a big part of that. Its value cannot be measured by attendance figures or repair bills alone."
The debate sets the stage for a significant council decision. As the report on the region's aquatic facilities is finalised, the Babinda community and its representative are making a clear stand: the potential closure is a line in the sand. The outcome will signal how the council weighs financial pragmatism against the intangible, yet profound, social fabric of its constituent towns.
The fight for the Babinda Pool is now a public test of priorities, with Councillor Edwina Farley championing the cause to save what she calls the town's beating heart.
