Launceston’s First Basin Swimming Pool has been forced to close after heavy rainfall caused the South Esk River to rise and flood the facility.
The Launceston City Council said the rising river levels had reached the pool, located within the Cataract Gorge, on Wednesday.
“We’ll keep the pool closed until the floodwaters recede and any remediation works are completed,” a spokesperson said.
“We’ll be working hard to get the pool reopened as soon as possible and we’re hopeful this will occur before Christmas.”
The South Esk River was one of several rivers to be placed under a flood watch following heavy rain on Saturday night.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a final flood warning for the river on Wednesday morning, saying “no significant rainfall” has been observed in the 24 hours prior.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 27 degrees in Launceston on Thursday and 29 degrees on Friday.
More on this story: First Basin Pool reopens for summer swimming in Launceston
