4 August 2023
A new management contract with YMCA to operate the Warwick and Stanthorpe public pools and fitness facilities is set to streamline processes with economy of scale benefits from the dual management rights flowing on to the community.
YMCA has overseen operations at WIRAC since 2017, and the Stanthorpe Fitness Centre and Stanthorpe Pool will now also be managed under its guidance following the decision on 12 July 2023 at the Ordinary Meeting of Council.
Council’s Manager Community Services Michael Bell supported the move and said that joining the two facilities under the one leadership banner would offer a new level of stability for our region.
“WIRAC, the Stanthorpe Fitness Centre and Stanthorpe Pool are fantastic facilities and valued assets to the Southern Downs community as important social and recreational hubs,” Mr Bell said.
“There are obvious benefits in uniting them under YMCA and this new contract offers a level of longevity across the sites that translates to improved investment, increased certainty around arrangements and improved connectivity between these sites and the community.”
During the recent public tender process, prospective contractors had the opportunity to tender for one or more of the sites, with confidence that Council would continue to deliver sporting and recreational activities in the most effective way possible, with a value-for-money outcome.
The new agreement ensures that YMCA will continue to operate the facilities and also allows the contractor to identify opportunities to grow and improve the facilities’ connection with the community.
A tender for all of Council’s public pools was released via Vendor Panel on 11 May 2023 to the open market.
In addition to inviting interested parties through an open process, all existing operators of the Allora Pool, Killarney Pool and WIRAC were personally invited to apply.
Council thanks the Stanthorpe Fitness Centre staff for their time and dedication and wishes everyone all the best for their transition to YMCA.
Last edited date 04 Aug 2023