AusLeisure

Despite having expressed a desire to end its management of Canberra's public swimming pools earlier this year, the YMCA NSW is continuing to manage the ACT Government’s aquatic facilities beyond the end of their contracts on 30th June.

In February, it was reported that The Y wanted to end its management of pool the Civic, Gungahlin, Lakeside Leisure (Tuggeranong) and Stromlo pools - the contracts for the Gungahlin, Civic and Tuggeranong pools having been due to expire on 30th June while the contract for the Stromlo Leisure Centre in Canberra’s south was due to expire as of June 2026.

In addition, the managers of the seasonal Dickson Aquatic Centre also confirmed they wanted out of their contract, after 27 years, with the ACT Government on 30th June, a year ahead of the expiry date.

However, despite the ACT Government not having appointed new managers, the facilities continue to operate with a decision following a recent tender awaited, with the ACT Government assuring the public that “all pools will remain operational with full services available … through the transition”.

In a statement to Australasian Leisure Management, Liam Blore, Property Asset Manager (Aquatics), Estate and Strategic Asset Management for the ACT Government, advised “at this stage, the Tender process is currently ready for approval by the delegate.

“The results of Tender will be announced in due course.

“During the transition period of the contracts, the ACT Government ensures the continuation of the operation of the aquatic centres that are currently running across the ACT and there will be still no disruption to the day to day operations. 

“Currently the existing operators are managing the aquatic centres up until the announcement and end of the transition period and all the all-season centres are open and operating.”

The reason for The Y wanting to exit the contract is not known.

Arrangements for Canberra’s other aquatic facilities see the Manuka Pool operated by Big Island Sports, with a contract to end in June 2027, and Erindale’s Active Leisure Centre by the Erindale College Parents & Citizens Association, with no end date to its contract.

The Phillip Pool was bought by property developer Geocon in January 2023 and is yet to reopen.

Image: The Lakeside Leisure Centre. Credit: The Y.

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