Community to have their say on formation of pool trust

12 June 2012

A charitable trust may be formed to oversee the district's swimming facilities after Waipa District Council's Strategic Planning and Policy Committee gave the green light to seek feedback on the proposal.

The committee today unanimously agreed to consult with the community on a plan to form a charitable trust to provide focused service delivery, and take advantage of external funding opportunities, for the Trust Waikato Te Awamutu Events Centre and the Cambridge Pool.

It was also agreed to put further consultation on the future development of swimming facilities in Cambridge on hold until a decision on the trust is made. If the trust is formed, it would be responsible for undertaking the consultation in 2013.

In a report to the committee, Strategic Partnerships and Funding Manager Jim Mylchreest said a charitable trust was the preferred service delivery model as it was the most effective and cost efficient option.

Council has considered the options for the provision and management of sports, recreation and leisure facilities and believes that the creation of a charitable trust is the best option for the future planning provision , said Mr Mylchreest.

A trust is not driven by a single commercial focus to make a profit and is able to consider the wellbeing of the community, he said.

A trust would also allow for any surpluses to be revinvested into facilities and programmes and have the ability to access community funding not available to the council or corporate entities.

At this stage there was no plan to include any other facilities in the proposal however there was scope for this in the future.

A key element of the proposal would be the appointment of trustees. It is proposed those appointed would carry out their duties on a voluntary basis.

Mayor Alan Livingston said the council had thoroughly investigated different options for the management of the pools.

We regard the establishment of a charitable trust as the most logical and beneficial. It provides the ability to focus on the management of our pools and to strike a balance between maximising usage and financial return, he said.

Importantly, this proposal is going to the community for consultation and we will consider submissions before making a final decision.

The Statement of Proposal for the formation of the trust will be publicly notified next Tuesday, June 19. Submissions will close at 5pm on July 20.

ENDS

For further information contact

Lisa Nairne

Senior Communications Advisor

Ph: 07 872 0062 or 027 532 1760

Email: lisa.nairne@waipadc.govt.nz