Council is expected to open tenders for the pools in Bega, Bemboka, Candelo, Cobargo and Eden in mid-April. The tender is likely to run for about three weeks.

The move is in line with the NSW Local Government Act which requires councils to run a tender process before issuing contracts or licences to operate and run community facilities.

BVSC manager of leisure and recreation John Grady said if no tenders were received, council would consider its options in running the pools.

“This is basically what happened in 2013 which led council to becoming directly involved in operating Sapphire Aquatic Centre, Bemboka and Eden pools,” Mr Grady said.

“Eden and Bemboka were previously managed by contract operators before they declined to renew their contracts in 2013.

“The coming tender gives those with interest and capability an opportunity to submit proposals.” 

Mr Grady said the tender process was not a reflection on the current operators. 

Tenderers will be invited to submit expressions of interest in running one or all five swimming pools. Recommendations will be referred to council for consideration in June.

The co-managers for Bega pool Zoe and Mark Philipzen, who have just finished the season with the pool closing last week, said they would be applying for the tender.

“Hopefully we will get it,” Mr Philipzen said.

“We love what we do and we think we do a good job.” 

Leasee for Cobargo pool Jim Gustard was planning on applying for the tender to his pool as well.

“I’ve got a lot of emotional investment in the community here,” he said.

“It really has been a very large part of my life for the last 22 years.”  

Tenderer for Candelo pool Clinton Peel, who has managed the pool for the last 20 years, was also hoping for re-employment.

“It is a bit of an uncertain time, but I’ve been very happy at Candelo,” he said.

The Sapphire Aquatic Centre in Pambula is excluded from the tender, with council confirming its intention to continue running it. The 2016-17 outdoor pool season closed last Friday, with final attendances to be included in the tender documents.