AN agreement between the City of Wanneroo and Edith Cowan University for free use of Wanneroo Aquamotion has been extended for another year.
The City had reviewed the initial deal made in September 2015, which allowed the University’s Health and Wellness Institute to use the gym to deliver its exercise clinical trials and exercise physiological clinical services free of charge for 12 months.
The trials are part of the institute’s research into the effects of exercise in managing chronic diseases.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWEach patient is prescribed an exercise program, with about 20 requiring entry to the gym three times per week, however no trials occurred at the centre.
As part of the clinical service, the University’s exercise physiologists and their patients requested access to the centre for the initiation stage, proposed over two sessions and expecting to cater for about 60 patients.
The City’s report found that from November 2015 to September 2016, the physiologists undertook four site-based visits with clients instead of two.
“This was to enable greater patience adherence to programming and improve familiarity with Aquamotion,” it said.
The proposal allowed for the waiving of fees up to $14,020 for the trials and services but there were 17 patients recorded as accessing the centre, making the total subsidy over the 12-month period $3095.
The report attributed the difference in attendance figures from expectations to the program’s infancy and establishment of GP referral pathways.
It said a small number of patients became Aquamotion members and projected this to increase as the program continued.
The recommendation to extend the arrangement for another year was supported by councillors at the November 7 meeting.
Councillor Domenic Zappa described it as a valuable program.
“It’s very appropriate to look to support those members of our community getting health and active,” he said.
The decision allows for the further waiver of fees to a maximum of $14,020 for a second 12-month trial period, after which a formal review will be undertaken and council will decide on any further extension if required.