Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Coffs Harbour Council rejects financial assistance request from aquatic facility operator

Coffs Harbour Council rejects financial assistance request from aquatic facility operator
April 30, 2020

Almost three years after Coffs Harbour City Council controversially decided to award the tender to manage three public pools to contractor Lane 4 Aquatics, the Council has rejected a request by the contractor to provide financial assistance of approximately $300,000 per annum above the agreed price to continue operate the facilities.

While, at the time of the award of the contract, the Council advised that the new contractor would provide comparative savings of more than $4 million over the duration of the leases, documents presented to a full Council meeting last Thursday advised that it received a request on 10th February 2020 from Lane 4 Pty Ltd, the sub-lessee for each of Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool, Sawtell Swimming Pool and Woolgoolga Swimming Pool for financial assistance to continue to meet their obligations to operate and manage the public swimming pools for the community.

The request was submitted prior to the current Coronavirus pandemic and six weeks prior to the Federal Government introducing restrictions affecting the operation of public swimming pools as of 26th March 2020.

The report to Council advised “there are a number of initiatives which were outlined within the tender response from Lane 4 Pty Ltd which have not been undertaken since the commencement of the agreement which could be considered to assist in revenue generating activities in the operation of the public swimming pools.”

With Council officers recommending that the request not be approved, The Motion to decline the request was carried unanimously by Councillors.

Coffs Harbour Council holds a lease for a 20-year term from the NSW Department of Primary Industry & Environment - Crown Lands over the Sawtell and Woolgoolga pools which are all built on Crown Reserves. Each tenure is by separate lease over part Reserve 1002970 (Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool) and part Reserve 81703 (Sawtell Swimming Pool) and part Reserve 91945 (Woolgoolga Swimming Pool).

In 2017, the Council undertook a public tender process for operational management of each of the pools by way of sub-leases, which was awarded to Lane 4 Pty Ltd, which is now owned by Bluefit, for the three swimming pools.

The Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool contract was for a period of 10 years with a right of renewal for a further 10 years. The Sawtell and Woolgoolga Pools were for an initial period of five years with a right of renewal for a further five years.

The Council report on the funding request advised “the value added services outlined within the tender submission to enhance income streams included a number of different additions to the offering, particularly at the Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool including a multi-function space to house the ‘4 Health and Wellbeing’ studio; fit-out of the ‘4 Health and Wellbeing’ studio; refurbishment of current fitness room to include offices, training rooms and child minding; and fit out of a new Red Poppy Coffee Café.

“Whilst the installation of a refurbished work-out gym area has now been completed, there is no evidence of other value added services having been implemented.”

The Council officers’ report also suggested that if the funding is not approved it may have to face Lane 4 Pty Ltd terminating the contract and sub-lease.

Here it advised “if this eventuates then other arrangements will be necessary for the continued operation of the three public swimming pools, such as re-tendering the swimming pools contract or in-house management of the swimming pools for at least an interim period.

“A further report will be provided to Council if required.”

In its risk analysis relating to Councillors’ decision, the report adds “the selection of Lane 4 Pty Ltd as successful tenderer for the sub-lease of each of the three public swimming pools drew significant community attention at the time (1997). To support the allocation of additional funding would possibly provoke an adverse community reaction.”

Image: The Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool,

Related Articles

28th April 2020 - NSW Minister calls for halt to plans for new Coffs Harbour Cultural and Civic Space

15th December 2019 - Coffs Harbour trials new beach patrols and inclusive beach access equipment

2nd December 2019 - Rescue tubes trialled at Coffs Harbour beaches to help reduce drownings

2nd December 2019 - Coffs Harbour City Council introduces sunscreen vending machine

7th November 2019 - NSW lifeguards look to halt drownings of foreign swimmers this summer

27th September 2019 - Coffs Harbour and Sydney claim wins World Festival and Event City Awards

4th June 2018 - BlueFit and Lane 4 merge contract management operations

9th May 2018 - Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana preparing for future with reduced passing trade

6th May 2017 - Council claims $4 million ‘comparative saving’ in new leases for Coffs Harbour pools

20th July 2015 - Council backs re-opening of attractions at North Rockhampton pool complex

17th November 2014 - Fourth LatiTube set for Coffs Harbour installation?

24th March 2010 - Myrtha Pools Technology For Coffs Harbour Pool

30th September 2009 - Contract Management Not to Blame for Coaching Decline


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

APT Asia Pacific Pty Ltd

APT (Advanced Polymer Technology) is the leading global manufacturer of polyurethane-based materials, acrylic coatings and synthetic turf products for sporting and recreational applications. From…

read more

Environment / Sport / Surfaces / Technology

 
 

Yellowbox Lockers

Yellowbox is an Australian technology company that has developed smart locker technology operated through an app with a focus on experience for users and facility managers. Found at Beaches, Aquatic…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Entertainment / Retail / Security

 
 

LIFE FLOOR (Aus & NZ)

Our team believes floors should be beautiful, comfortable, and engineered for safety, even when wet. Life Floor tiles meet six unique performance based standards: slip-resistance, impact absorption,…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Recreation / Safety / Surfaces

 
 

Humanforce

Humanforce is a global provider of workforce management solutions for companies who need flexibility to manage complex workforces. Companies use Humanforce to manage everything from time and…

read more

Hospitality / Retail / Technology / Venues

 
 

Altitude Training Systems

ATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology

 
 

Pricemark Pty Ltd

Pricemark supplies a wide range of custom branded membership & RFID access products for the Health & Leisure Industry. 

read more

Access

 
 

Summit Fitness

Summit Fitness Equipment is now part of NovoFit - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/novofit/

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Aussie Strength

Commercial gym equipment supplier Aussie Strength was wound up at the end of 2022.    .aussie p { padding:20px; }

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business