WIRAC project 60k over budget

One of the project at WIRAC is currently 60k over budget.

By Dominique Tassell

Warwick Indoor Recreation and Aquatic Centre (WIRAC) once again submitted a report to Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) at last month’s final meeting, detailing the repairs needed to the facility and funding required by the Council.

As part of the requirements of the contract between SDRC and the Brisbane YMCA for the management of WIRAC, there is an obligation that the Brisbane YMCA supply monthly reports relating to the operations of the facility.

Work on the reception is ongoing, and currently requires an extra $65,000 in funding as it is over budget.

It was discussed in the Council meeting that YMCA might pay for approximately $15,000 of this.

The report stated that WIRAC is concerned about operating out of the temporary reception and office area in the busy summer season.

The report also lists other concerns, including the hydro and gym bathrooms being closed over safety concerns.

The coils in the hydro air handling system are also rusting, and a leak has been detected in the roof of the main pool area.

The annual solar inspection found holes in the pies which are now rusting, with a recommendation to discontinue use of the system to prevent further damage. Without this system, heating the pools will cost more.

The bathrooms in the pool deck have also been identified as needing work, with a floor specialist looking into how they rectify the issue of slippery floors.

Several updates have been carried out to the pool area already, including a new UV system, wiring and lights replaced, pumps being serviced, and the main valve and pipework being replaced.

In the Council meeting, Councillor Ross Bartley questioned whether Council was responsible for all maintenance works to the facility.

It was clarified that Council is only responsible for capital works, which includes works carried out for safety reasons.

Councillor Bartley stated that some of the repairs required are quite significant, to which a staff member replied that a lot of issues have come to light with WIRAC over the last few years and this comes down to the aging facility.