3 May 2024
Following community concern over the decision to not extend the management agreement for the operation of the Allora Pool with current operator Mr Andrew Fidge at the end of the 2024 season, it was resolved at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 19 April 2024 that Council’s CEO Dave Burges would review the decision and prepare a proposed way forward to take the views of the community into account.
Subsequent to that review by the CEO, Southern Downs Regional Council would like to advise the community that Council has exercised the option under the current management agreement to extend the term of the contract between Council and Mr Fidge for a period of 24 months.
Council’s CEO Dave Burges said that negotiations with Mr Fidge have been positive and preparations will now commence for Council and the preferred operator to have the facility ready to go for the coming season.
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton said that the swift action of Council officers to undertake a review and negotiate a way forward reinforces that Council is listening to the community.
“We as Councillors are listening to the community. We wanted to ensure that Council had fully taken into consideration the economic and social impacts of its decision, as well as the input we received from both users of the facility and the wider Allora community,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“Following the review by the CEO, Council wishes to advise that Andrew Fidge remains the pool operator up to the winter recess in 2026.
“I would like to thank Council staff who acted quickly to bring us a detailed briefing paper on the proposal so we could make a balanced and informed decision to request the CEO undertake an internal review of the original decision.”
Council recognises that the Allora Pool is an important public facility and appreciates that it is crucial to secure an operator who will ensure good management of the facility whilst providing the highest level of coaching and instruction to many community members and competitive swimmers.
“The Allora Pool is an important recreational hub for the community,” Mayor Hamilton added.
“We have reached an agreement with Mr Fidge to provide good management of the facility and ensure that the Allora Pool provides continued access to high quality swimming pool facilities and coaching for Southern Downs residents.”
Council remains committed to delivering quality, cost-efficient facilities across the region and unless extended further, the contract with Mr Fidge will now end on 31 March 2026.
Last edited date 03 May 2024