YMCA contract extended for further three years

YMCA will continue to manage aquatic and leisure facilities in Baw Baw Shire for another three years at a cost of almost $4.5 million.

Council has extended YMCA's contract until June 26, which will be the final three year extension.

Under the contract, YMCA manages operations at the Warragul Leisure Centre, Bellbird Park indoor centre and summer pools at Drouin, Neerim South, Rawson, Thorpdale and Trafalgar.

The original $3.5 million contract was awarded in 2017 for a three year term, with options for two three year extensions.

A report to council said COVID had disrupted and hindered venue operators in the aquatic and recreation industry.

For 2020/21, aquatic facilities in the shire were closed for more than 120 days with an additional three months of government restrictions.

A report to council said venue income had been impacted by a slower than anticipated return of patrons and industry wide staff resourcing challenges.

Data presented to council showed membership numbers were at 72 per cent of preCOVID levels.

In February 2020, there were 650 memberships at Warragul Leisure Centre and 760 participants enrolled in the learn to swim program. These figures have dropped to 506 and 525 respectively.

As part of the new contract, council officers will work with YMCA to implement strategies to increase patronage and attendance in line with the original contract expectations.

The report to council said extending the current contract another three years also would allow council to undertake a full service review of aquatic an leisure services in a similar way to the roads maintenance contract review.

"This option would also enable further work to be complete to consider a fee for service model for the operation of the new stadium as a variation of the contract providing less risk and more streamlined approach to operating the new space since it comes online," officers said.

Cr Joe Gauci said council was not extending the contract just because YMCA deserved an extension.

"I have seen nothing but the YMCA working with us. They have worked hard to get the numbers back up since COVID," he said.