Councillors held an extraordinary meeting of council on January 18 to discuss the sports centre. They agreed that there should be CCTV cameras and a 24-hour, seven-day swipe system put in place.

At the February council meeting, the notes from this meeting and further discussion about the sports centre featured in the Engineering Services Report.

“It was agreed in the workshop that the CCTV and the swipe system could be funded from existing operational funds and as such are being actioned immediately,” Director Kerrie Murphy said.

The council also created an action plan including investigating contract requirements for members and an external audit on the gym, to arrange for a thorough cleaning of the facility and investigate the viability of getting a spa and sauna going.

They also resolved to investigate an upgrade of the disabled toilet and other amentities, and painting of the exterior and interior of the building.

Another investigation will take place about whether groups could be interested in running programs at the sport centre. 

Mark Munro said he’s seen this work successfully in other Local Government areas.

“Look at other groups managing the centre like the YCMA. I’ve seen them run a facility when I was living in Foster, it was amazing,” he said.

“We should have another group look into managing it.” 

The investigations into the building are a part of the Narromine Shire’s Fit for the Future Improvement Proposal. 

The council is currently reviewing all its facilities to consider opportunities to increase user fees and charges and take a more commercial approach to management, reduce levels of services and reduce costs. The council are also continuing to identify the community needs and priorities.