Hydrotherpy Pool: The State Premier has told the ABC the government will make the feasibility study for the Albany hydrotherapy pool available to the public. The study was instrumental in the government's decision not to reopen the pool, which closed in 2020. "We'll obviously make that available if people are interested," he told Peter Barr on WA Regional Mornings. "But what that tells us is that the pool is really beyond service and we now need to look to an alternative." Over 1,400 people have signed a petition calling on the government to reopen the pool, citing the "indispensable role" it played in people's lives, particularly those with arthritis, people living with disabilities, and school children with special needs. The ABC has requested the feasibility study from the Premier's office and WA Health.
Image: ABC Great Southern/ Astrid Volzke
Menang exhibition: A new exhibition exploring Albany/Kinjarling's history of colonisation through the eyes of Indigenous Elders will open at the State Library later this month. The Menang led exhibition uses AI to remagine the natural landscape of Albany pre colonialism, drawing from the elder's oral histories. Curator and Menang Noongar women, Denien Toomath says audiences are being asked to think differently about history.
Land for worker accommodation: A gold operation in the Great Southern is a step closer after the local shire announced plans to lease a parcel land to its proponents. The Katanning Shire says it will lease a plot of land on Henry Street to Ausgold Exploration for three years from November. The site will be used as a staging point for the construction of workers accommodation. Shire President Kristy D'Aprile says construction of the accommodation is expected to begin this year.
Crisis hotline phonebox: The state government is assessing the viability of an emergency phone on the state's south coast after a coronial inquest into the death of an Indian National in 2024. Parbhat, 24, was reported missing in August 2024. He was later found to have died by suicide at a popular tourist attraction near Albany. Acting State Coroner Sarah Linton recommended the state government consider installing a phone at the site, linked to a crisis hotline. Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn told the ABC the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is aware of the recommendation. He says it is working with the state's health services, police and local council to assess its feasibility.
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Lack of funds for gas transition: Local leaders say the state budget fails to provide adequate money to help residents being forced off Albany's gas network. ATCO Australia announced its decision to decommission the Albany gas network in January. The state government has allocated over $10 million to convert social housing properties away from mains gas but nothing for home owners and businesses. Deputy Mayor Paul Terry says the city is disappointed.
Albany Health Campus upgrade: Albany Hospital has received $60 million in the 2026/27 State budget for a 32-bed modular ward. The aim of the new ward is to improve patient flow while maintaining the same standard of care as in the main hospital. The Australian Medical Association WA's Thomas Drake-Brockman says while the beds will assist demand, the bigger problem is getting patients out of the hospital when they're better.
