Interest sought for management of Bundaberg Aquatic Centre

Bundaberg Regional Council has advised of its invitation to industry experts to express an interest in the management of the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre.

The extended tender process will see Bundaberg Regional Council first accept Expressions of Interest for the operation and management of the centre.

The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre will be a state-of-the-art multi-use sports facility and be of such a size and having much significance to the community that Council wants to spend the time inviting industry experts to take part in the process.

Qualified and experienced applicants will then be shortlisted for an Early Tender Involvement process to develop the terms of the management process.

Sport and Recreation portfolio spokesperson Cr Vince Habermann said it was an approach which would ensure the best value and best result for the community.

Habermann shared “The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre is of such a size and such a significant nature to our community that we want to spend the time inviting industry experts to take part in the process.

“We want to challenge the business model through industry input. Consideration needs to be given to things including staffing numbers, the ability to facilitate supervision and really maximising the uptake of the community in regards to memberships and patronage.

“This will not only ensure greater value for money for our community but will also deliver the best possible outcome.”

Habermann said Council was assured there would be no shortage of interest in the management of the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre.

“The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre is so much more than just a pool,” he added.

“This is about making the most of this facility and creating an experience for every member of our community to enjoy.

“We’re not aware of another facility of this nature in any surrounding regions, the closest comparisons being in South East Queensland and North Queensland.

“Industry leaders in this field are already contacting Council to make enquiries about managing this facility and we know we will have competition in this space.

“The management of this facility will require expert knowledge and experience so to ensure we get it right we need specialised opinion and input throughout the tender process.

“By seeking this input from industry leaders we’re ensuring we’re building the capability of our region.”

Habermann said Council had taken learnings from other leading Queensland Councils which had further reinforced that this approach to ascertaining the management terms of the aquatic centre would be the best way forward.

Image. Concept for Bundaberg Aquatic Centre. Credit: Bundaberg Regional Council