New operators for Queensland Government's last Active Recreation Centres

The Queensland Government has announced the new operators of its last three Active Recreation Centres, with Apex Queensland Youth Camps to operate the Magnetic Island Active Recreation Centre at Picnic Bay on Magnetic Island; Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) to operate the Yeppoon Active Recreation Centre and the YMCA of Brisbane to operate the Leslie Dam Active Recreation Centre site at Warwick.

With the previous Queensland Government having previously transferred ownership of six apparently "under-performing" Active Recreation Centres across Queensland, in November last year the current Government tendered the management of the three remaining centres.

As a result of the tender process, the new managers were announced this week by Queensland Communities, Sport and Recreation Minister Steve Dickson.

Speaking in relation to the Picnic Bay ARC, Minister Dickson explained this is a great outcome for Magnetic Island, with Apex to continue to use the centre for school children and corporate and community groups, with potential for visitors to be taken on excursions with a marine, reef and environmental focus."

Apex has operated the Apex Camp Mudjimba on the Sunshine Coast for more than 30 years and the organisation had wide experience in managing outdoor centres.

Uncertainty about the Magnetic Island facility had led to an online campaign to save the facility.

However, Member for Townsville John Hathaway said the announcement meant the island and its surrounding communities could continue to enjoy top-class facilities for a range of activities, stating "this is a great outcome for Magnetic Island residents, the community and local schools."

Minister Dickson also praised the PCYC, saying it was one of Queensland's most experienced club operators with a strong history of working with schools and community groups, stating "we've seen the positive impact PCYC has on young people from cultural backgrounds of all kinds and with varied interests and it's because of our ability to create programs tailored to each community's need."

Speaking about YMCA of Brisbane's operation of the Leslie Dam Active Recreation Centre, YMCA Chief Executive Alan Bray said the YMCA was delighted to be undertaking the management rights for the Leslie Dam site.

Bray stated "this represents an unparalleled opportunity to fully activate the site and provide wonderful camping experiences for the greater south east Queensland area.

"It means Warwick and its surrounding communities can continue to enjoy a range of activities in top-class facilities."

The new operations are expected to begin from 1st September.

For more information go to www.nprsr.qld.gov.au

Image: Magnetic Island Active Recreation Centre

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