Health outcomes to flow from Bluewater’s new 24/7 gym hours

Published on 17 May 2018

Colac Otway Shire Bluewater Gym 24 7.jpg

Health outcomes to flow from Bluewater’s new 24/7 gym hours

Squeezing workouts into people’s busy lives is about to get a whole lot easier in Colac, with the Bluewater gym set to convert to a 24/7 operation.

Colac Otway Shire Mayor Joe McCracken said the announcement was an exciting one that placed the Council right at the forefront of health and wellbeing innovation in regional Victoria.

“We are the first rural Council to convert to a 24/7 gymnasium, which highlights our commitment to getting more people active and removing barriers for people looking to live a happier, healthier life,” he said.

“Within a few months, Bluewater members will have access to the gymnasium at any time that is convenient for them - including Les Mills Group fitness classes on demand.

“Bluewater is a wonderful community facility and this announcement means more people in our community will be able to take advantage of what it has to offer.”

Cr McCracken said Council had received feedback through a recent survey and via its social media channels that the current opening times of the gym did not suit everyone.

“We have over 2000 shift workers, farmers and business people in our community and more than 700 people travel from outside the shire to work here,” he said.

“This decision ensures that we give as many people as possible the best chance to maintain a healthy lifestyle from both a physical and mental perspective,” he said.

“By removing barriers around operating hours, in particular on weekends and public holidays, we’re confident this move to a 24/7 facility will have wonderful health outcomes for the community.”

Manager Recreation, Arts and Culture Ian Seuren said 24/7 gyms were seeing significant growth nationally.

“The 24/7 gym industry is worth about $2 billion annually and has experienced 7.5 per cent growth in the last five years,” he said.

“A substantial amount of work has been done behind the scenes and there’s further work to go, but we’re working hard to fast-track the 24/7 operation of the gym within the next few months.”

Mr Seuren said the project would see the installation of a swipe tag access system at the front door and internal doors to restrict access to other areas such as the aquatic and stadium facilities.

“Additional security cameras have been installed and a panic button will be installed on the gym floor that will be monitored by our security company. There are a few other extra measures we’ll undertake to help ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment of the gym,” he said.