2018-08-07 Services and Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                   7 AUGUST 2018


Given the program’s size and significance, the NAC will soon embark on developing a strategy to
guide the LTS program over the coming years. The program has consistently performed to a high
standard and is well regarded in the industry, however, the team are keen to determine ways to
stay ahead of the curve and ensure it remains as a highly successful program.

Unfortunately, the funding submission to the State Government’s ‘Female Facilities Program’ for
a dedicated family change space was unsuccessful. Constructed in 1999 with just a single family
change room, the NAC now fails to adequately cater for current visitation levels and changed
community expectations in this area. The team remain committed to exploring the possible
addition of a dedicated family change space which would allow families with young children to get
changed in a safe and secure space and eliminate the need for children to enter a toilet and
change facility of the opposite gender.

Gym membership and participation in classes (e.g. boxing, cardio and core, and stretch and
stabilise) have both grown to a level where the ability to conduct classes in the gym is heavily
compromised. To address these concerns, and to be able to provide the Noosa community with a
genuine ‘one stop shop’ for their leisure and aquatic needs, the NAC has begun to consider the
possible addition of a purpose-built group fitness space. This initiative, as well as others, will be
further considered in the 10-year facility masterplan set to be developed in 2018/19.

Capital works planned for the NAC in 2018/19 will be significant, with $580k allocated in the
budget. Major works include emptying of the 50m pool to replace some tiles, grout and the
expansion joints, replacement of a heat pump and associated valves, remedial roof works, and
replacement of the centre’s large wooden deck. It is expected that components of these works
will require at least a partial, and possibly full, facility closure in order to safely undertake the
works.

Previous Council Consideration
Ordinary Meeting Minutes 15 February 2018, Item 14, Page 9
That Council note the report by the Noosa Aquatic Centre Coordinator to the Services &
Organisation Committee Meeting dated 6 February 2018 providing an update on the activities of
the Noosa Aquatic Centre for the period 1 July 2017 to 31 December 2017.

Finance
Refer to section 1 of this report.

Risks & Opportunities
In the May 2018 independent WH&S audit undertaken by LGW, a number of risks were identified
relating to Council’s operation of the NAC. The majority of these risks were of a minor nature and
have been, or are in the process of being, rectified.
In April, a young patron experienced an immersion incident at the NAC Leisure Pool. While the
child made a full recovery, the seriousness of the incident was a timely reminder of the inherent
risks associated with aquatic environments. Both an internal and external review of the incident
were conducted and resulted in a series of recommendations designed to further improve patron
safety at the NAC.
Key recommendations which will be implemented in 2018/19 financial year as a result of these
two reviews include the addition of a dedicated lifeguard supervising the children’s Leisure Pool
during peak times and implementation and enforcement of the Royal Lifesaving Society of
Australia’s ‘Keep Watch’ program. The Keep Watch program provides for clearer parental or
carer supervision requirements for young children and stipulates that children under the age of 5
must be accompanied in the water at all times by a parent or carer. The NAC will undertake a
community awareness and education campaign in the lead up to summer and the program’s
implementation in order to gain community buy-in and support.

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