Council Listening to Community Feedback on Aquatic Services
Published on 21 May 2026
Livingstone Shire Council in collaboration with PCYC is ramping up its efforts to strengthen aquatic services across the region and ensure community expectations remain at the centre of facility operations.
Mayor Adam Belot said Council had listened carefully to feedback from residents, families, sporting groups and pool users following the recent transition in management arrangements at Council-owned aquatic facilities.
“We understand there has been frustration and uncertainty for some members of the community during this transition period, particularly around programming, access and day-to-day operations,” Mayor Belot said.
“Council appreciates the patience, understanding and ongoing feedback from our community as we work through these changes together.
“Our partnership with PCYC was established to deliver positive long-term outcomes for our aquatic facilities and, importantly, for the people who use them every day. We remain committed to working collaboratively with PCYC and our user groups to ensure those expectations are met.”
Mayor Belot said Council officers and PCYC representatives met this week to discuss community concerns and identify practical opportunities to improve services and user experiences across all three pools.
“This has been a constructive and positive discussion focused on ensuring our aquatic facilities continue to meet the needs of local families, schools, seniors, sporting clubs and recreational users,” he said.
“As part of these discussions, Council is also working directly with hydrotherapy providers to clarify arrangements and support the continued delivery of these important services,” he said.
“There has been some confusion regarding hydrotherapy access under the new management model. Hydrotherapy providers are still able to operate from Council facilities, with current arrangements reflecting Council’s adopted fees and charges and standard commercial hire conditions.
“Council is continuing discussions with providers regarding the proposed fee structure and how arrangements can best support ongoing service delivery.”
Mayor Belot said Council also acknowledged concerns raised regarding swim club costs and memberships.
“A detailed breakdown has been provided to club representatives showing that members who utilise the annual pass arrangements can pay less overall than under previous arrangements,” he said.
“Council and PCYC will continue meeting with swim club representatives this week to work through these matters collaboratively.”
Council Interim Chief Executive Officer Alastair Dawson said the opening of the new Capricorn Coast Brian Dorey OAM Aquatic Centre will provide an important opportunity to strengthen and refine aquatic services across the region.
“With the opening of this outstanding new facility, we have a valuable opportunity to work alongside PCYC and user groups to ensure programs, operations and access arrangements reflect what the community wants and expects,” Mr Dawson said.
“As part of these discussions, Council and PCYC will be reviewing matters such as operating hours, fees and opportunities to further support swim clubs and community users to help reduce costs where possible.”
Mr Dawson said Council was also pleased to see community programs returning across the facilities, including Aqua Fitness commencing this Friday at the Emu Park pool.
“These are the kinds of accessible, community-focused programs we want to see continue to grow across our aquatic facilities,” he said.
“Council will continue engaging closely with user groups and the broader community as we work with PCYC to refine services, strengthen communication and deliver the best possible experience for residents.”
Mayor Belot said Council remained focused on ensuring the region’s aquatic facilities continued to provide long-term benefits for the community.
“Our goal is to ensure these facilities are welcoming, accessible and sustainable community assets that serve residents well now and into the future,” he said.