Council’s big changes to preserve Memorial Pool’s future

Strategic closures and unanimous support for new operator to shore up pool’s future for Mackay

Mackay Memorial Swim Centre will undergo operational changes to shore up its future.

A COST cutting agreement will force the Memorial Swim Centre to close for four months every year, as part of a new council contract.

At today's meeting Mackay Regional Council unanimously voted to choose Belgravia Health and Leisure Group to continue their day-to-day operation of the historic pool.

The $319,632 per year contract was chosen over competing bids from DMR Leisure, Global Product Search, Pat Wright Swim School and Aqualification and Fitness.

Mayor Greg Wiliamson said the tender was significant, not only as it would ensure the ongoing operation of the historic pool, but also because it would save ratepayers $73,000 a year.

"That's because we will not be opening the pool in the winter months," Cr Wiliamson said.

Cr Williamson said the winter closure was not a way to restrict access and use of the controversial pool.

"It's not a forerunner of anything untoward," he said.

"We expect a lot more maintenance will need to go on over the next few years so it's good to have that middle of the year period where we can do that."

Despite Belgravia taking over the pool's operation, ratepayers will continue to pay for repairs.

Chief executive officer Michael Thomson said historic maintenance costs were as high as $30,000 a year.

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Geoff Robinson and Jennie Mack enjoy the Memorial Swim Centre pool.

 

"Most of the replacement costs will be more expensive," Mr Thomson said.

Councillor Justin Englert said the heritage listing could triple the ratepayer bill for the pool.

Cr Williamson said the pool's winter closure this year was because of refurbishment works in the change rooms.

Cr Wiliamson said winter swimming would continue at the heated pools at the Pioneer Swim Centre and the Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex, which are also run by Belgravia.

Belgravia will also be conducting an analysis of the pool's usage patterns on behalf of the council.

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Memorial Pool operating hours:

Monday to Friday: 6am to 7pm

Saturday: 8am to 5pm

Sunday and Public Holidays: 8am to 5pm

This excludes the four-month winter shutdown, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day.

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