WCC ponders lifting recreation reserve charges for sports groups

Dec. 11, 2014, 4:30 a.m.

CLUBS and groups using Warrnambools recreation reserves could face increased fees as the city council looks to recoup more of the $635,000 it spends annually on maintenance and management.

An audit of council expenditure has revealed recreation reserve user fees offset the cost by about 10 per cent, which is below the industry benchmark of 15 per cent.

CLUBS and groups using Warrnambools recreation reserves could face increased fees as the city council looks to recoup more of the $635,000 it spends annually on maintenance and management.

An audit of council expenditure has revealed user fees offset the cost by about 10 per cent, which is below the industry benchmark of 15 per cent.

About 45 representatives of 30 user groups met last night at the Lighthouse Theatre where councils recreation and culture manager Russell Lineham aired the possible increase.

The contentious issue will be bounced around by user groups before feedback goes back to council to be incorporated into decisions on its next annual budget.

Two options here are either the clubs take more responsibility for certain things or the council increases fees, Mr Lineham said earlier.

We think theres room for negotiation. In the 2013-14 financial year council spent $635,000 on sports ground maintenance and received $68,000 from income which represents a return of just over 10 per cent.

Across all reserves under council control the average expenditure on each is $42,000 while the average return is $4900.

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WCC ponders lifting recreation reserve charges for sports groups