The Corowa Aquatic Centre continues to have an impact on Federation Council’s long term financial plan with a 2024/25 loss of $952,000.
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Despite losses of almost $2.5 million after four years of operation, Federation Council is determined that major changes to the new tiered supervision model, implemented in November 2024, are seeing positive signs.
Federation Council mayor, Cheryl Cook said council was delighted to see more people visiting and enjoying the aquatic centre.
“We believe the new tiered supervision model and extended operating hours have played a role in making the centre more accessible and appealing to a wider audience,” she said.
“From the annual disco to the new lawn games and family discounts, we're seeing how these small changes can have a big impact on making our aquatic centre a true community hub.”
The aquatic centre was opened in April 2021 and is still a way off from achieving the approved 2021 Special Rate Variation (SRV) contribution application towards operating expenses.
The application targeted a 53 per cent contribution by ratepayers and a 47 per cent contribution by users.
Those figures are still falling short, although improved on the previous financial year.
Federation Council general manager Adrian Butler said the operating costs for 2024/25 were covered with a 32 per cent contribution from pool users and 68 per cent from ratepayers.
“This marks an improvement from the previous year's figures of 28 per cent from users and 72 per cent from ratepayers but we know there is more work to do on this,” Mr Butler said.
“While we still recorded a net operating loss of $952,000, it was better than the expected $988,000 net loss.”
With the tiered supervision model now in place for 10 months, Mr Butler said the model had been a positive step forward for the Aquatic Centre.
“It has not only improved staff supervision and operational oversight but has also given council the flexibility to refine our rostering and create more efficient workflows,” Mr Butler said.
“By clearly defining roles and responsibilities, we've empowered our team to work more effectively, focusing on risk-based patron supervision.
“This has allowed us to enhance safety while also increasing opportunities for staff to multitask and cross-train.”
The model adopted was one of seven options put forward to council on completing the service review aimed at seeking further efficiencies in the centre.
It was based on employing a core base of full-time employees, supplemented with a casual workforce, and reducing lifeguards when there was a low number of patrons at the centre.
It also planned to multi-skill staff in the centre to be able to cover customer service and lifeguard duties.
Mr Butler said the tiered supervision model has had a positive impact on the community.
“By removing the midday shutdown on Tuesdays and Thursdays and adjusting weekend hours, we've been able to offer more continuous and convenient access for our patrons,” he said.
“Council will continue to monitor the full impact of this model throughout the three-year trial period to ensure we're providing the best possible service for our community.
“The financial savings from the revised operating model will be quantified when financial statements for the 2024/25 financial year are finalised.”
A significant rise in overall use was recorded in 2024/25 with 36,731 admissions, up from 34,092 the previous year and Cr Cook said council was seeing positive progress towards its financial goals for the aquatic centre.
“While we have not yet reached the 47 per cent user contribution target, the shift from 28 per cent to 32 per cent in just one year is a significant step forward,” she said.
“This improvement, coupled with the increase in overall admissions, demonstrates that the strategic changes council implemented are moving us in the right direction."
Mr Butler said council would continue to review its operations and look for new opportunities to improve efficiency and increase user engagement.
Over the past year, staff have been actively exploring and implementing some new, family-friendly ideas to make the facility a more dynamic and inviting space.
“Staff are currently researching suitable and cost-effective inflatables that can be safely used in the 50-metre outdoor pool,” Mr Butler said.
“While a purchase or hire decision hasn't been made yet, this option remains a priority for future consideration.”
Cr Cook said the council would continue to work closely with the Corowa Aquatic Centre Consultative Committee to investigate new ideas and ensure the needs of residents were being met.
2024/25 highlights
- 246 memberships
- 290 learn to swim students
- Subsidised aqua exercise classes for over 55s
- $512,043 total sales, up by $87,874 from the previous year
- Costs per visit down $2.40 to $39.39
- 2.8 visits per capita, up by 0.20 visits from 023/24