After weeks of frustration over shortened access to Riverway Lagoons, locals will soon see the popular swimming spot return to longer operating hours.
The backlash began when opening hours were abruptly reduced to 9am–6pm following a Workplace Health and Safety Queensland directive requiring the gates to be locked outside supervised hours. The sudden change left early‑morning swimmers, after‑work regulars and weekend families unhappy, with many saying the reduced hours didn’t reflect how the community actually uses the facility.
Now supervised hours will be extended from 6am to 8pm during the warmer months, and 6am to 6pm through winter, starting March 23.
Mayor Nick Dametto acknowledged the community’s frustration, saying he wasn’t impressed with the short notice Council was given to implement the earlier restrictions. He said the new hours strike a better balance between safety requirements and community expectations.
Deputy Mayor Suzy Batkovic said the extended hours will allow people to make the most of the lagoons, especially during summer evenings, and will better cater to morning swimmers, after‑school families and weekend park‑run crowds.
While the longer hours come with additional costs, Council says the investment is necessary to keep the facility safe, open and aligned with how residents want to use it.
