2020-09-08 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                8 SEPTEMBER 2020


3.    SYSTEMS, PROCESSES AND OTHER MATTERS

As referenced earlier, the NAC commenced a maintenance shutdown on 24 June 2019 in order
to facilitate the completion of major capital works projects. Over $1m was invested in major works
including the emptying of the 50m pool to replace the coping tiles, grout, expansion joints and
wet deck, replacement of the leisure pool’s wet deck, upgrades to the pools’ equipotential
bonding systems, full replacement of the centre’s roof and large wooden deck, replacement of
the plant room’s switchboards, replacement of a heat pump and associated valves and other
more minor maintenance projects.

Much of management’s time throughout the year was spent on managing the works projects,
coordinating shutdowns and alternative duties for staff, and implementing COVID safe systems to
allow for partial reopening of the centre in mid-June.

4.    FUTURE DIRECTION

It is likely that much of the focus in the first few months of the new financial year will be on safely
ramping up operations in line with what’s permitted within the aquatic industry COVID Safe plan.
While the team would love to see utilisation levels return to somewhere near normal levels, this
must be done in a way that ensures staff and patron safety.

Given the program’s size and significance, the NAC has completed preliminary works to aid the
development of a strategy to guide the learn-to-swim 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, particularly given this year’s pullback and increased competition
from St Andrew’s.

In addition, the NAC is to undertake a master planning process to ensure we continue to search
for ways to be even better and to provide the community with a facility that continues to adapt to
meet the changing ways in which our community recreates.

Risks & Opportunities
This report does not propose any new actions or activities which would shift risks or opportunities
beyond the current levels encountered as part of the NAC’s day-to-day operations. However, it
should be noted that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic presents significant operational risk to the
NAC in the form of staff and patron safety and financial performance of the centre. Management
will continue to do all they can to effectively balance service provision and safety by operating
within the parameters set by State and Federal governments and departments, and those
endorsed by Council’s own internal COVID-19 taskforce.

Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Nil




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