Following an extensive tender process, Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) will proceed to contractual negotiations with preferred external providers for the management and operation of Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre and Highfields Aquatic and Fitness Centre.
TRC Environment and Community Committee Chair Cr James O'Shea said this move would ensure these facilities can continue to operate for many years to come.
"Our focus is to provide a range of high-class fitness and recreation facilities for our community," he said.
"Unfortunately, ongoing staff shortages and the inability to move quickly in recruitment and training has made staffing aquatic and fitness centres difficult for some time.
"With this in mind, Council moved to 'test the market' to see if there were any external companies that could deliver aquatic and fitness services to a higher standard and enhance the breadth of services to the community.
"We're pleased to say we received a number of quality applications from operators of large aquatic and fitness venues with years of demonstrated experience and are now moving to appoint external providers.
"Once the external providers are appointed, they will transition to centre management in the coming months.
"While this is taking place, Council will work closely with the external providers to ensure there is a seamless transition to this new operational model for customers and members alike.
"The new operational model will give patrons an improved level of service, program diversity, and will ultimately result in direct cost savings for Council.
"Council will negotiate centre staffing, membership, entry prices and opening hours with the appointed external providers, making sure our residents get the best outcome possible."
External providers will also be appointed to Crows Nest Indoor Sports Centre, Millmerran Aquatic Centre and Millmerran Indoor Sports Centre.
