Jordan Doherty
There will be no increase in entry fees to the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre until at least July 2023.
At a meeting on Tuesday 13 December, councillors decided to refer the casual entry fee discount for concession and for children and families to the 2023/2024 budget and membership fee increases have been deferred to 1 July 2023.
Since it opened earlier this year, over 9,811 members have signed up, making it one of the most successful leisure centres in Victoria.
The council report stated, “The financial impact of any changes to membership fees or casual entry prices needs to be considered, with Council investing heavily into the construction of the facility which has high ongoing operational costs which need to be covered either by income from the facility or by the broader rate payers across Brimbank (not all which would use the facility.)
“Many factors were considered in determining the membership structure and setting appropriate fees that find a balance for pricing that is competitive, socially equitable, financially sustainable, customer friendly and maximises physical activity and access. Brimbank’s unique demographics and health and wellbeing challenges are also important considerations.“
Cr Virginia Tachos said “to ensure those who have started their health and lifestyle journey can continue to be supported in their early stages, the membership price rise should be delayed until end July 1 2023”.
“This delay will ensure members can continue to utilise the facility over summer and ingrain healthy habits into their lifestyle for an extended period prior to the prices increasing to recognise the regional nature of the facility.”
Cr Maria Kerr added that the facility, while in high demand, was still going through some ’teething issues.’
“I have noticed that there is a lack of disabled parking, we need to ensure that the centre is accessible for all members, of all abilities,” she said.
