AlburyCity and Wodonga Councils have passed motions to appoint Aligned Leisure to manage the two cities’ aquatics facilities for the next five years.

At a special meeting held tonight, Wodonga Council endorsed the recommendation for Aligned Leisure to take over the running of the Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre and WAVES commencing on July 1, 2018.

AlburyCity passed a motion at its April council meeting to award a tender for the management of the Albury and Lavington Swim Centres to Aligned Leisure.

The joint aquatics contract is the first major outcome of the Two Cities One Community partnership and was an action under the Partnering in Leadership pillar in the action plan.

Wodonga Mayor Cr Anna Speedie said Aligned Leisure would be offering employment to the local staff and providing a range of community programs and activities.

“I want to thank the YMCA for the great working relationship they have with the council for the past 10 years,” Cr Speedie said. “This was a competitive process looking at the newest delivery models available and Aligned Leisure have put together an exceptional bid to manage the two cities” facilities which the councils believe will have some great outcomes for our community.

“The joint approach is not only about savings but also cost efficiencies and represents a significant cost saving for both councils.

“This includes the ability to have one membership across all four facilities which is something our people have been wanting for some time.

“This is a great outcome for our community and a fantastic example of how the councils can work together for the benefit of our people.”

AlburyCity Mayor Cr 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.

“This is just one way the two councils can work together and we look forward to more cooperation to make our shared community an even better place to live, work and play.

“I would also like to thank Albury Aquatic Management for their management of the Albury and Lavington Swim Centres for the past seven years.”

Aligned Leisure is a business arm of the Richmond Football Club and its proposal included a detailed transition plan with a focus on engaging existing staff.

The proposal also had a strong marketing and promotions focus which aims to see more of the community using the facilities.