By Jeremy Cook
Concerns surrounding the future of Killarney Pool could soon be alleviated following confirmation that a community-owned organisation is looking at taking over management of the facility.
Killarney Memorial Age Care chief executive Sarah Fea confirmed the not-for-profit aged care centre was considering lodging a tender application to manage the pool.
“Our mission is to provide dignified, high quality aged care, health, social, welfare and lifestyle services to our local community,” Ms Fea said.
“Killarney Memorial is investigating the feasibility of lodging a tender for the management of Killarney Community Pool,” she said.
“This process has included liaising with local community groups to gauge support for submitting a tender.”
The pool’s fate was left in doubt when its previous contractor withdrew from the tender process earlier this year.
A community meeting was held at Killarney Memorial in mid-November where it is understood residents sought to address the issue with ideas to keep the pool in community hands..
Despite the previous tender process falling through, a spokeswoman for Southern Downs Regional Council said support for the pool’s operations was ongoing.
“The Killarney Pool is open and operating seven days a week to support the community,” she said.
“The previous contractor regrettably withdrew from the tender process after considerable consultation with council to ensure tender compliance.
“Council is pleased to support the community by continuing the pool operations.”
Tender submissions for management and operation of the Killarney Pool, as well as the Allora Pool and the Stanthorpe Out of Hours School Care facility are set to close on Friday 8 December.
