Economically sustainable facilities 

Moderator: Frederic Tomarchio, Swim-ing, Italy

Public pools and aquatic centres are more than recreation—they are essential infrastructure supporting community health, water safety, and social connection. Yet ageing facilities, uneven access, and financial pressures demand smarter planning and investment. Together, these sessions examine why we build pools, how to prioritise communities most in need, and how Australia’s aquatic legacy informs sustainable revenue models. They also explore the importance of understanding both market needs and market potential, avoiding flawed assumptions, and choosing operational models that balance participation with financial viability—ensuring that future aquatic and leisure facilities meet real demand and deliver lasting public value.

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On the panel

RJ Houston_portrait pic_3445

RJ Houston is a recognised leader in the aquatic sector, with experience across government, industry, and associations. As General Manager at Royal Life Saving Australia, he leads national initiatives in training, workforce development, safety, and education. He chairs the National Aquatic Industry Committee, sits on key advisory councils, and is part of the IAKS Global Pool Experts Circle. RJ holds an MBA in Social Impact and is a frequent speaker on aquatic safety, workforce, and social impact.

RJ Houston
General Manager, Royal Life Saving Society, Australia

Green Warren_portrait pic_3133

Warren Green is the Director of Warren Green Consulting and has led over 300 sport and leisure planning projects across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. He has a background in major venue management and has contributed to the delivery of world championship events. Warren’s speciality area is in community infrastructure planning that maximises social impact and financial sustainability.

Warren Green
Director, Warren Green Consulting, Australia

Gar Holohan

Gar is Founder and Executive Chairman of Aura Holohan Group (3 divisions). Aura Sport and Leisure Management provides consultancy and manages 14 sport and leisure centres and fitness clubs across Ireland. Holohan Leisure is Ireland’s leading consultancy in sport, leisure, and entertainment, working with local authorities, government bodies, and private clients. Holohan Architects specialise in sport and leisure architecture.

Gar Holohan
Founder and Executive Chairman, Aura Holohan Group, Ireland

Why do we build pools? The value of public pools
RJ Houston, General Manager, Royal Life Saving Society, Australia 
Public pools are vital infrastructure supporting community health, water safety, and social co¬hesion. Yet many facilities are ageing, and in growing communities, there aren’t enough of them – many communities lack access. Drawing on research from a diverse context, this presentation shares new benchmarks, highlights communities most missing out, and outlines principles for frameworks to guide future investment.

Revenue models in aquatic and leisure centres in Australia
Warren Green, Director, Warren Green Consulting, Australia
Australia has a long and proud history with aquatic leisure and sport, shaped by its climate, culture, and geography. Water-based activity is a big part of Australian life – from swimming lessons and recreation to international sporting success. This presentation draws on that legacy to explore how contemporary aquatic and leisure centres are evolving to meet modern demands while delivering long-term financial sustainability.

Regional analysis of market needs and operation models
Gar Holohan, Founder and Executive Chairman, Aura Holohan Group, Ireland
Understanding the difference between market needs (what the community requires) and market potential (what it can realistically support) is key to avoiding flawed assumptions—such as relying on national participation rates, which often misrepresent local demand. Overestimating demand, underestimating existing supply (by over 40% in most studies), ignoring the impact of new facilities on existing ones, and overlooking how different operational models affect partici¬pation and revenue can all lead to misguided investments.