A $4.8 million, five-year contract has been awarded to a company owned by Richmond Football Club to manage both Albury and Wodonga’s pools.
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The decision was made at council meetings held on both sides of the border last night.
Aligned Leisure to take over the running of the Albury and Lavington Swim Centres, Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre and WAVES from on July 1.
The Albury part of the contract was worth $3.2 million, with Aligned Leisure assessed as providing services, programs and added value to the community which was the best value for money.
Albury mayor Kevin Mack said the appointment was an important step forward for the two cities one community initiative.
“By sharing the management of the aquatics centres we’re harnessing the strengths of both cities to not only make our costs more efficient but also to provide leading services and facilities to our community,” he said.
“I would also like to thank Albury Aquatic Management for their management of the Albury and Lavington Swim Centres for the past seven years.”
The decision also brings to an end 10 years of Wodonga’s pools being run by the YMCA.
Wodonga mayor Anna Speedie said Aligned Leisure would still offer employment to the local staff.
“The joint approach is not only about savings but also cost efficiencies and represents a significant cost saving for both councils,” she said.
“This includes the ability to have one membership across all four facilities which is something our people have been wanting for some time.”