A new campaign’s been launched at Bluewater Lagoon to educate the community about the costly impacts of “Code Browns” at the facility.
Since late September 2025, the Bluewater Lagoon has been forced to close ten times due to faecal incidents, resulting in a financial hit for ratepayers of $30,000.
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson says each “Code Brown” costs approximately $3,000 in plant room materials and labor, but the social impact is often greater, as unplanned six-hour closures for water treatment routinely throw birthday parties, school events, and family outings into disarray.
To combat these closures, Mackay Regional Council has launched “The Lowdown on Code Brown” tv and social media campaign, featuring an animated poo, encouraging simple preventative measures, such as ensuring young children wear proper swim nappies and taking regular toilet breaks.
The venue began offering free swim nappies at the lagoon in late 2025, an initiative that will continue until the scheduled winter maintenance shutdown in June 2026.
Venue manager Kimberley Armstrong from Belgravia Leisure says the program has been a success, with more than 200 free nappies distributed over the last two months.
Staff at the lagoon are now actively welcoming families and checking if they require nappies, using the opportunity to discuss the importance of water hygiene.
By focusing on these clear calls to action, officials hope to significantly reduce the frequency of accidents and keep the facility open for the community to enjoy.
