The shift also marks a significant retreat in the presence of the YMCA in pools across Ballarat. In 2011 they took over the management of the Eureka pool from the long running Mackenzie family. The popularity of the facility and the affection for the family meant this decision was in itself controversial. The council had also contracted them to manage the Buninyong Pool. Then in 2012 the council awarded the YMCA a significant 10 year contract to manage the pools and aquatic centre. The focus on the aquatic facilities has shifted so the all-year aquatic centre has become the key community asset and recipient of recurrent investment . The underlying rationale was that pools are an expensive burden on the ratepayer- funded purse and need to be justified by visitor numbers - even potentially pay their own way. This economic balancing act in Ballarat’s less than blazing summers meant smaller outdoor pools had an uncertain future.  The toll and controversy ensued – Wendouree was closed, Black Hill was threatened with closure. Use it or lose it. But regardless of site, the success of any strategy is implementation and ensuring standards are maintained. The value and potential of the Aquatic Centre into which Council poured yet more capital funding, including a 50 metre poll, thus grew proportionally with each passing year.

However in 2014 it became apparent that something was not right in this relationship between asset owner and manager after the council ended its relationship with the YMCA at Eureka Pool and then this year took the management of the aquatic centre away from them. This week council ended the chapter by taking over the courses the YMCA ran there.

The many people who work at the centre will be retained, a good outcome for valued staff, while the value of the assets is unquestioned. But it is the recurrent funding; the maintenance and running costs, kept to a level where the aquatic centre can reach its great potential that will be another challenge for council altogether.