RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres Preview Access Issued by: Central Highlands Regional Council VP Reference: VP508684 Opened: Friday 08 May 2026 05:00 AM Closing: Friday 29 May 2026 12:00 PM

Tender Details Access this Tender RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres Business Name Central Highlands Regional Council VP Reference # VP508684 Buyers Reference # RFT260046 Opens Friday 08 May 2026 (E. Australia Standard Time) Closes Monday 15 June 2026 04:00 PM (E. Australia Standard Time) Supplier query cut-off Monday 08 June 2026 04:00 PM (E. Australia Standard Time) Expected decision Monday 22 June 2026 (E. Australia Standard Time) Buyer Details Business Name Central Highlands Regional Council Location 65 Egerton St Emerald, Queensland 4720 Australia WebSite: https://www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au/ Business Info The Central Highlands region is in Central Queensland, Australia. The region encompasses an area of around 60 000 square kilometres, making it just short of the size of Tasmania. It is home to around 30 000 people who live in the thirteen unique communities of Arcadia Valley, Bauhinia, Blackwater, Bluff, Capella, Comet, Dingo, Duaringa, Emerald, Rolleston, Sapphire Gemfields, Springsure and Tieri. Our region is rich in minerals and agriculture, thriving on irrigation sourced from water storage on the Nogoa and Comet rivers. We claim the largest sapphire-producing fields in the Southern Hemisphere. Major freight routes through the region include the north-south link between Charters Towers and northern New South Wales—identified as the inland transport alternative between Cairns and Melbourne. Contact Details The buyer has elected to have their personal and contact details hidden. These details will be revealed at the buyers discretion. What the buyer is requesting Details Central Highlands Regional Council invites submissions for an experience, competent, innovative and achievement driven organisations to manage and operate the following Aquatic Centres: Emerald Aquatic Centre Blackwater Aquatic Centre Sapphire Aquatic Centre Rolleston Aquatic Centre Attachments to this Request Documents 15 Supplier lists selected Lists Cleaning Services, Equip, Supplies Management Advisory Services Sport, Recreation Equip, Services Categories selected Categories Cleaning Services & Equipment & Supplies 1: Swimming Pool Cleaning Management Advisory Services 1: Professional Services Sport & Recreation Equipment & Services 1: Sport & Recreational Equipment & Supplies & Access 2: Sports & Recreation Centre Management Services Regions of Service Locations Queensland 1: Fitzroy All Regions of Service locations are within Australia. Information requested by others 12/May/2026 04:28 PM Question : We refer to Section B – Conditions of Tendering, which identifies Section E as containing the Financial Returnable Schedules. In reviewing the RFT documentation, can we please confirm whether all Return Schedules have been issued in full at this stage? Answered on 13/May/2026 04:07 PM : Yes – all Financial Returnable Schedules have been issued in full as part of the RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres documentation. The following returnable schedules were provided within the tender documentation as Excel spreadsheets: Section E – Fee for Service Financial Returnable Schedules Section E – Lump Sum Financial Returnable Schedules These constitute the complete set of Financial Returnable Schedules referenced in Section B of the Conditions of Tendering. 15/May/2026 04:14 PM Question : We acknowledge the most recent RFx Update to Request issued 15 May 2026. We understand that Emerald's Indoor Pool is currently operating without a planned closure for Learn to Swim Classes. Could Council please provide updated information on whether that will continue until the proposed contract commencement and how this may effect transition planning. This Tenderer is prepared to provide a quality submission within the existing proposed time frame. Answered on 24/May/2026 04:13 PM : Question regarding "RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres" (VP508684) Refer to attached addenda: Response to query - Indoor Pool Learn To Swim Operations.pdf 18/May/2026 07:10 AM Question : Request to extend tender submission due date to 12th June and successful vendor commencement 11th August. Answered on 24/May/2026 04:15 PM : Question regarding "RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres" (VP508684 Refer to attached addenda: Tender Extension Notice - 1a.pdf 18/May/2026 01:02 PM Question : Thank you for the prospective tenderers briefing via Teams today, it was excellent and very informative. In response to the question raised regarding a potential extension, we are comfortable with the current due date, provided Council is able to issue the response document within a timely manner. We can also confirm that we intend to submit a tender for all four centres. As a Central Queensland based operator, we would greatly appreciate the opportunity to undertake a site inspection of the facilities prior to submission. We currently have availability on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, if this is mutually suitable. Thank you again and we look forward to working through the process further. Answered on 24/May/2026 04:24 PM : Question regarding "RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres" (VP508684) Refer to attached addenda: - Tender Extension Notice.pdf - Aquatic Centre Viewing Times.pdf We have listed dates and times on the above addenda where council officers will meet on site to take any tenderers on a site walk through. Due to several requests and logistical challenges these are the only available dates and times for walk throughs of facilities 18/May/2026 01:24 PM Question : Is it possible to have a site visit to Emerald & Blackwater - end of this week or Monday next week, before the questions end? Answered on 24/May/2026 04:25 PM : Question regarding "RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres" (VP508684) Refer to attached addenda: Aquatic Centre Viewing Times.pdf We have listed dates and times on the above addenda where council officers will meet on site to take any tenderers on a site walk through. Due to several request and logistical challenges these are the only available dates and times for walk throughs 19/May/2026 08:57 AM Question : We are interested in a site inspection for Emerald Pool and Sapphire Pool Answered on 24/May/2026 04:26 PM : Question regarding "RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres" (VP508684) Refer to attached addenda: Aquatic Centre Viewing Times.pdf We have listed dates and times on the above addenda where council officers will meet on site to take any tenderers on a site walk through. Due to several request and logistical challenges these are the only available dates and times for walk throughs 19/May/2026 11:12 AM Question : Is there any more attendance data for the Emerald Aquatic Centre - very difficult to do up budgets on figures that are almost 2 years old? Answered on 24/May/2026 04:31 PM : Question regarding "RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres" (VP508684) Refer to attachment addenda: Appendix 10 - Centre Attendance Data.xlsx The attendance data provided in the abovementioned addenda has daily attendance up to 31 December 2025 for Emerald Aquatic Centre. Please refer to the Emerald Aquatic Centre Tab on the spreadsheet and scroll down to the end of the data. 20/May/2026 10:50 AM Question : We note Council’s advice regarding the current timeframe and flexibility for extensions. As some Return Schedules are yet to be issued, our ability to finalise a complete and compliant submission is currently limited. We also want to ensure sufficient time to undertake due diligence and prepare a high-quality response. Accordingly, we request a 3 week extension, or alternatively an extension aligned with the release of the outstanding Return Schedules. Answered on 24/May/2026 04:34 PM : Question regarding "RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres" (VP508684) refer to attachment: Tender Extension Notice - 1a.pdf 21/May/2026 03:35 PM Question : Is it possible to fit site viewing times into one day? Answered on 24/May/2026 04:38 PM : Question regarding "RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres" (VP508684) Refer to the attachment addenda: Aquatic Centre Viewing Times.pdf Due to the geographic spread of the four sites, and challenges to resource site tours equitably for all tenderers it would not be practical to conduct inspections at all facilities within a single day. 25/May/2026 10:24 AM Question : Appendix 10 - Centre Attendance Data - you have stated that the figures are up until Dec 2025 for the Emerald Aquatic Centre. They are from 16th August 22 to Oct 23 and then from 9th Sept 24 to 15th Nov 24. The dates contained in this are 18months old. To prepare a budget it is very difficult using these figures. Can the updated figures be uploaded to the documents? Answered on 31/May/2026 02:35 PM : Question regarding "RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres" (VP508684) Thank you for the enquiry officers are currently investigating whether additional information for Emerald Aquatic is available should there be an addenba will be updated to this Vendorpanel portal. Updates made to this Request 13/May/2026 05:25 PM RFT260046 – Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres Information / Briefing Session Central Highlands Regional Council invites all prospective tenderers to attend an information and briefing session in relation to RFT260046 – Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres. The session will provide an overview of the Request for Tender (RFT), including key requirements, objectives, and expectations of Council. The presentation will be facilitated by Council’s consulting partner, Otium Planning Group. Attendees will have the opportunity to seek clarification and ask questions regarding the tender process and scope. Session details are as follows: Date: Monday, 18 May 2026 Time: 11:00am Location: Microsoft Teams Microsoft Teams Link https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/41538171204882?p=jdLMPWoq9k7cMXmtgO A Microsoft Teams link is issued within the briefing invitation message. Should participants experience any difficulty accessing the session on the day, they may contact Danielle Crooke on 0436 650 992 for assistance. 15/May/2026 03:37 PM Council acknowledges the current timeframe presents challenges in completing due diligence overall, and specifically, preparing quality submissions. Council remains open to considering formal requests for extension. Proponents are advised of the following: The aquatic facilities are currently closed for the off-season and are not scheduled to reopen until September 2026. Accordingly, there is flexibility in the contract commencement date. Council is open to negotiating transition-in arrangements to support mobilisation. Council can manage essential maintenance requirements in the interim through local contractors, if required. Proponents are reminded that all requests for clarification or proposed adjustments to the procurement process must be submitted via Vendor Panel to ensure transparency and probity. Council encourages any interested parties seeking adjustments to formally submit their request, including the rationale and preferred timeframes, for consideration. 20/May/2026 11:00 PM RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres Please note: The following addenda have been recently added. 1. Added: (Addendum) Briefing Presentation Questions - Tenderer Questions.pdf 2. Added: (Addendum) Notice to Tenderers - RFT260046 - Addendum 001.pdf 3. Added: (Addendum) Response to query - Indoor Pool Learn To Swim Operations.pdf 4. Added: (Addendum) Section D - Conditions of Contract - Version 2.pdf 5. Added: (Addendum) Section F - Appendices Version 2.pdf 6. Added: (Addendum) Section G - Tenderers Response Returnable Schedule.docx 7. Added: (Addendum) Section H - FF&E Returnable Schedule.docx 8. Added: (Addendum) Tender Extension Notice - 1a.pdf Please consider these addenda when responding. 21/May/2026 03:24 PM Please note: The following addendum has been recently added. 1. Added: (Addendum) Aquatic Centre Viewing Times.pdf Please consider this addendum when responding. What the buyer is requesting: Details: Central Highlands Regional Council invites submissions for an experience, competent, innovative and achievement driven organisations to manage and operate the following Aquatic Centres: Emerald Aquatic Centre Blackwater Aquatic Centre Sapphire Aquatic Centre Rolleston Aquatic Centre Supplier lists selected: Lists: Cleaning Services, Equip, Supplies Management Advisory Services Sport, Recreation Equip, Services Categories selected: Categories: Cleaning Services & Equipment & Supplies 1: Swimming Pool Cleaning Management Advisory Services 1: Professional Services Sport & Recreation Equipment & Services 1: Sport & Recreational Equipment & Supplies & Access 2: Sports & Recreation Centre Management Services Regions of Service: Locations: Queensland 1: Fitzroy All Regions of Service locations are within Australia. Information requested by others: 12/May/2026 04:28 PM: Question : We refer to Section B – Conditions of Tendering, which identifies Section E as containing the Financial Returnable Schedules. In reviewing the RFT documentation, can we please confirm whether all Return Schedules have been issued in full at this stage? Answered on 13/May/2026 04:07 PM : Yes – all Financial Returnable Schedules have been issued in full as part of the RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres documentation. The following returnable schedules were provided within the tender documentation as Excel spreadsheets: Section E – Fee for Service Financial Returnable Schedules Section E – Lump Sum Financial Returnable Schedules These constitute the complete set of Financial Returnable Schedules referenced in Section B of the Conditions of Tendering. 15/May/2026 04:14 PM: Question : We acknowledge the most recent RFx Update to Request issued 15 May 2026. We understand that Emerald's Indoor Pool is currently operating without a planned closure for Learn to Swim Classes. Could Council please provide updated information on whether that will continue until the proposed contract commencement and how this may effect transition planning. This Tenderer is prepared to provide a quality submission within the existing proposed time frame. Answered on 24/May/2026 04:13 PM : Question regarding "RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres" (VP508684) Refer to attached addenda: Response to query - Indoor Pool Learn To Swim Operations.pdf 18/May/2026 07:10 AM: Question : Request to extend tender submission due date to 12th June and successful vendor commencement 11th August. Answered on 24/May/2026 04:15 PM : Question regarding "RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres" (VP508684 Refer to attached addenda: Tender Extension Notice - 1a.pdf 18/May/2026 01:02 PM: Question : Thank you for the prospective tenderers briefing via Teams today, it was excellent and very informative. In response to the question raised regarding a potential extension, we are comfortable with the current due date, provided Council is able to issue the response document within a timely manner. We can also confirm that we intend to submit a tender for all four centres. As a Central Queensland based operator, we would greatly appreciate the opportunity to undertake a site inspection of the facilities prior to submission. We currently have availability on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, if this is mutually suitable. Thank you again and we look forward to working through the process further. Answered on 24/May/2026 04:24 PM : Question regarding "RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres" (VP508684) Refer to attached addenda: - Tender Extension Notice.pdf - Aquatic Centre Viewing Times.pdf We have listed dates and times on the above addenda where council officers will meet on site to take any tenderers on a site walk through. Due to several requests and logistical challenges these are the only available dates and times for walk throughs of facilities 18/May/2026 01:24 PM: Question : Is it possible to have a site visit to Emerald & Blackwater - end of this week or Monday next week, before the questions end? Answered on 24/May/2026 04:25 PM : Question regarding "RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres" (VP508684) Refer to attached addenda: Aquatic Centre Viewing Times.pdf We have listed dates and times on the above addenda where council officers will meet on site to take any tenderers on a site walk through. Due to several request and logistical challenges these are the only available dates and times for walk throughs 19/May/2026 08:57 AM: Question : We are interested in a site inspection for Emerald Pool and Sapphire Pool Answered on 24/May/2026 04:26 PM : Question regarding "RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres" (VP508684) Refer to attached addenda: Aquatic Centre Viewing Times.pdf We have listed dates and times on the above addenda where council officers will meet on site to take any tenderers on a site walk through. Due to several request and logistical challenges these are the only available dates and times for walk throughs 19/May/2026 11:12 AM: Question : Is there any more attendance data for the Emerald Aquatic Centre - very difficult to do up budgets on figures that are almost 2 years old? Answered on 24/May/2026 04:31 PM : Question regarding "RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres" (VP508684) Refer to attachment addenda: Appendix 10 - Centre Attendance Data.xlsx The attendance data provided in the abovementioned addenda has daily attendance up to 31 December 2025 for Emerald Aquatic Centre. Please refer to the Emerald Aquatic Centre Tab on the spreadsheet and scroll down to the end of the data. 20/May/2026 10:50 AM: Question : We note Council’s advice regarding the current timeframe and flexibility for extensions. As some Return Schedules are yet to be issued, our ability to finalise a complete and compliant submission is currently limited. We also want to ensure sufficient time to undertake due diligence and prepare a high-quality response. Accordingly, we request a 3 week extension, or alternatively an extension aligned with the release of the outstanding Return Schedules. Answered on 24/May/2026 04:34 PM : Question regarding "RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres" (VP508684) refer to attachment: Tender Extension Notice - 1a.pdf 21/May/2026 03:35 PM: Question : Is it possible to fit site viewing times into one day? Answered on 24/May/2026 04:38 PM : Question regarding "RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres" (VP508684) Refer to the attachment addenda: Aquatic Centre Viewing Times.pdf Due to the geographic spread of the four sites, and challenges to resource site tours equitably for all tenderers it would not be practical to conduct inspections at all facilities within a single day. 25/May/2026 10:24 AM: Question : Appendix 10 - Centre Attendance Data - you have stated that the figures are up until Dec 2025 for the Emerald Aquatic Centre. They are from 16th August 22 to Oct 23 and then from 9th Sept 24 to 15th Nov 24. The dates contained in this are 18months old. To prepare a budget it is very difficult using these figures. Can the updated figures be uploaded to the documents? Answered on 31/May/2026 02:35 PM : Question regarding "RFT260046 Management of Central Highlands Aquatic Centres" (VP508684) Thank you for the enquiry officers are currently investigating whether additional information for Emerald Aquatic is available should there be an addenba will be updated to this Vendorpanel portal. Attachments to this Request: Documents: 15