Lake Keepit could be privatised despite high satisfaction

The government has quietly met with private operators, sounding out the potential lease the state's Sport and Recreation Centres.

The Office of Sport’s recent annual report shows the centres had more than a 20 per cent reduction in net operation costs, despite a 14 per cent increase in participants.

They also had a customer satisfaction rate of 91 per cent, while 95 per cent indicating they would recommend the service to others.

It’s numbers like these that make Public Service Association’s Tamworth organiser, Stephen Meares, question why the government would consider privatising the centres.

While nothing is official yet, “all the indicators are there”, and the proposal is expected to go before the NSW cabinet before the end of the year.

“They certainly don't want the public aware, the centres are such a public institution it makes sense to try and keep it quiet,” Mr Meares said.

“Privatisation generally means higher costs, less qualified staff and in most instances it's a race to the bottom.”

The annual report indicates the 11 Sport and Recreation Centres cost taxpayers $2.6m, a reduction of $700,000 from the previous year.

“This improved cost-effectiveness continues the trend of recent years and reflects the outstanding efforts of management and staff in driving improved productivity,” report said.

Mr Meares said $2.6m for a public service was a pittance, particularly given the quality and type of service the Sport and Recreation Centres provided. 

“If that 20 per cent reduction continued into next year, the centres would be getting close to cost neutral anyway,” he said.

“If they're trying to fix their bottom line, they don't run at much of a loss across the state.

“All public services come at a cost, and the Sport and Recreation Centres are most certainly a public service, providing low-cost facilities for the community. Most people believe the government should provide public services to their taxpayers.”