THE Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre will continue under an in-house management arrangement for at least three years after councillors endorsed an independent review at last night's ordinary council meeting.
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Wagga City Council called for a review of operations at the centre off the back of a significant deficit of almost one million dollars a year.
The independent report, undertaken by Warren Green Consulting, compares Oasis against six other regional aquatic facilities that determined its recommendations to counter a $933,956 deficit in 2013/14.
As part of regional facility benchmarking, the report found the Oasis had a low child swim price, a slightly lower than average 12-month membership price and a slightly lower than average learn to swim price.
All nine councillors present at the meeting voted to endorse the report containing 21 recommendations - including raising the child swim price from $3.50, the learn to swim price from $12.50 and the 12-month swim price from $440 for the 2015/16 financial year - subject to the availability of resources and budget, as requested by Councillor Kevin Poynter.
Councillor Yvonne Braid's foreshadowed motion that invited operators YMCA and Bellgravia to give a presentation at a council workshop wasn't carried because it contradicted the recommendation that council endorse the operation of the Oasis continuing under an in-house management, given outsourcing would cost about $170,000 a year.
Councillor Dallas Tout told the meeting that one recommendation - that future consideration be given to the operation of an integrated health and wellness function as part of the Oasis business - was the most crucial of the 21 recommendations.
The current gym lease renewed on January 25, 2011, expires on January 24, 2016, with a five-year option ending January 24, 2021.
It was recommended that integrating the gym as part of the Oasis business should be considered as part of any lease renewal.
You can read the final report into the Oasis service review here.
- Recommendation: That the implementation of a 48 week swim and survive program be thoroughly investigated. Management response: An assessment of the feasibility of a 48 week swim and survive program will be undertaken by April 2015.
- Recommendation: That swim and survive class occupancy levels be reviewed with the objective of achieving above 80% occupancy. Management response: A review of the swim and survive classes will be undertaken to ensure optimum occupancy rates, without impacting on program accessibility and quality.
- Recommendation: That Oasis staff review the implementation of Birthday Parties as a Centre program. Management response: There is potential to increase Birthday Parties at the Oasis through offering a structured program and activities. Implementation from 1 July 2015.
- Recommendation: That the child swim price be increased for the 2015/16 financial year. Management response: Fees will be reviewed as part of the 2015/16 budget process.
- Recommendation: That the learn to swim prices be increased for the 2015/16 financial year. Management response: Fees will be reviewed as part of the 2015/16 budget process.
- Recommendation: That the 12 month swim price be increased for the 2015/16 financial year. Management response: Fees will be reviewed as part of the 2015/16 budget process.
- Recommendation: That the financial benefits of cogeneration be regularly reviewed and reported. Management response: There is currently ongoing monitoring of energy efficiency at the Oasis, including the operation of the cogeneration plant.
- Recommendation: That a review of management staff undertaking four (4) hours of shift supervising per week in the future be undertaken. Management response: Proposed review of rosters for implementation from April 2015.
- Recommendation: That the items identified in the New South Wales Royal Life Saving (NSWRLS) Audit be actioned as a matter of priority. Management response: The recommendations from the NSWRLS audit are being actioned and will be completed in February 2015.
- Recommendation: That a strategy associated with the modernisation of the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) be developed. Management response: Staff have commenced looking at options and process to update the EBA. This will require extensive consultation and may take 6-12 months.
- Recommendation: That subject to the modernisation of the EBA that the timesheet process be completed online in the future. This process has commenced.
- Recommendation: That the operation of the Oasis remain under in-house management for a minimum of three years (3) subject to the following: - A review of the EBA. - Appointment of a permanent manager with strategic capability. - Consistency of internal Council reporting lines. Management response: Council has demonstrated management capability and provides an exceptional range of programs and services. Staff have implemented a number of efficiencies over the past 12 months that have resulted in savings. With the appointment of a permanent manager it is anticipated further efficiencies and improvements can be achieved whilst maintaining the current high standard of the facility.
- Recommendation: That a comprehensive condition audit of the Oasis be undertaken. Management response: It is estimated $25,000 will be required to undertake this audit and could be funded through the Oasis Plant Reserve. Audit to be completed by June 2015.
- Recommendation: That future consideration is given to the operation of an integrated health and wellness function as part of the Oasis business. Management response: The current Gym lease was renewed on 25 January 2011 and expires on 24 January 2016, with a five (5) year option ending 24 January 2021. Integrating a health and wellness function as part of the Oasis business should be considered as part of any future lease renewal.
- Recommendation: That a feasibility study be undertaken on the development of leisure water at the Centre. Management response: The service review report discusses the importance of leisure centres having a draw card. With the decommissioning of the wave ball at the Oasis there is a need to establish additional leisure water facilities. Funding for an alternate water facility was removed from the Long Term Financial Plan as part of the 2014/15 deliberations whilst the Oasis review was undertaken. This will need to be considered in future budget allocations.
- Recommendation: That future consideration is given to the provision of a crèche service at the Oasis. Management response: This should be investigated in the future at the same time as considering the operation of an integrated health and wellness function as part of the Oasis business (item 14 above).
- Recommendation: That access control barriers be incorporated into the reception area to ensure appropriate entry control and attendance counting. Management response: This item will need to be investigated further to determine the level of benefit that it may provide compared to cost.
- Recommendation: That a brief market research study be undertaken for use as the basis of the development of a marketing plan. Management response: Market research will be implemented through the existing promotions budget and completed by June 2015.
- Recommendation: That a management mentoring process be put in place, including visits to other aquatic and leisure facilities such as Shepparton, to review alternate practices. Staff currently liaise with other aquatic facilities and industry to keep abreast of trends and practices. Management response: This would be ongoing and could be further enhanced in conjunction with the appointment of a permanent manager.
- Recommendation: That key performance indicators be developed for both the Oasis team and specific staff relating to these recommendations. Management response: Key performance indicators will be incorporated as part of Council's Individual Performance & Development Plans (IPDPs) for staff.
- Recommendation: That progress on these recommendations be reported and reviewed on a regular basis. Management response: In addition to reporting on individual items that require a resolution ongoing updates will be provided to Councillors.
