At last commonsense has prevailed.

Southern Downs Regional Council has listened to community concern over the decision to not extend the management agreement for the operation of the Allora Pool with current operator Andrew Fidge at the end of the 2024 season.

It was resolved at the April meeting of Council that the CEO would review the decision and prepare a proposed way forward to take the view of the community into account.

Following this review it was agreed to extend the term of the contract for a period of 24 months.

Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton said that the swift action of Council officers to undertake a review and negotiate a way forward reinforces that Council is listening to the community.

“We as Councillors are listening to the community.

We wanted to ensure that Council had fully taken into consideration the economic and social impacts of its decision, as well as the input we received from both users of the facility and the wider Allora community, ” Mayor Hamilton said.

“Following the review by the CEO, Council wishes to advise that Andrew Fidge remains the pool operator up to the winter recess in 2026.”

Council recognises that the Allora Pool is an important public facility and appreciates that it is crucial to secure an operator who will ensure good management of the facility whilst providing the highest level of coaching and instruction to many community members and competitive swimmers.

“The Allora Pool is an important recreational hub for the community,” Mayor Hamilton added.

“We have reached an agreement with Mr Fidge to provide good management of the facility and ensure that the Allora Pool provides continued access to high quality swimming pool facilities and coaching for Southern Downs residents.”

This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 8 May 2024.