Kiama Council is undertaking comprehensive reviews of many of its facilities, to provide more effective and value-driven services.
These reviews, mandated by legislation and part of the NSW Government's Performance Improvement Order, are essential for ensuring efficiency, enhancing services, and uncovering strategic opportunities.
Next week's Council Meeting (Tuesday, 19 March) will consider a report on the first of these reviews, on the Kiama Leisure Centre, Jamberoo Pool and our ocean rock pools.
CEO Jane Stroud said she was encouraged about the potential for positive changes for the Leisure Centre, its staff and customers, highlighted by the report.
"Over its 40-year history, our Kiama Leisure Centre has become an important and much-loved part in the lives of our community. For a business that runs 360 days a year, 95 hours a week, 40 years is a very long time," Ms Stroud said.
"It's high time we had a good look at what changes are needed, so I'm excited to share the service review report with our Councillors, staff and our community, to get their advice."
Key challenges identified in the report are:
1. The need for a clear strategic long-term direction and market focus
2. Internal expertise and skills in aquatic and leisure management
3. The age and deteriorating condition of the assets and facilities
4. Resourcing the extensive range of services currently provided
5. Workplace culture, operations management operations and structure
"The report shows it's time for big decisions. The Centre is showing its age, our operations need some changes, and overall, a more modern approach to managing the facility is required."
The report offers three options for the Leisure Centre's future: maintaining the status quo, implementing upgrades, or pursuing redevelopment.
Ms Stroud said thorough planning and community consultation are essential for Council to make such significant decisions, given the financial and operational implications.
"We've already had a good idea of what the people who use the Centre think, thanks to 725 submissions we received from our 2022 customer survey."
"Now that we also have this report, we need to go back to those customers, and to the wider community, to further discuss the future of the Centre."
"That's a fundamental step in ensuring it will continue to meet the diverse needs of our residents for at least another 40 years."
"It's actually an exciting opportunity for us to consider a future community and sporting hub not just for Kiama, but for our entire LGA."
Ms Stroud said consultation with key stakeholders would begin shortly.
