CLUBS and groups using Warrnambool’s 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.
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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 council’s 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 there’s 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.
“Compared with other municipalities, Warrnambool has a high level of services provided by council for recreation reserves and we don’t want to drop standards.”
The council has direct management over 14 of the 15 sports and recreation grounds in the municipality.
Allansford reserve has its own committee of management.
The review comes four years after the council set a new scale of user fees in an attempt to bring a more level playing field.
It is separate to the issue of funding major capital works needed to upgrade Reid Oval as the region’s premier outdoor competition venue.
Mr Lineham said a recent audit revealed inconsistencies in service levels which had crept in over many years.
The council pays electricity costs for about half the reserves, while for the other half user groups pay. Line marking is provided for Aussie Rules football grounds, but not for soccer or most cricket grounds.
A few groups do their own lawn mowing, while in most cases the service is provided by council.
“We are interested in addressing inconsistencies,” Mr Lineham said.
“Cost reviews are regularly conducted across all council departments and sports grounds involve a range of departments
“We revised fees and charges in 2009-10 to get more consistency in what user groups pay, but this is more about details on what we spend.
“Council recognises the work that clubs put in and doesn’t want to put any group out of business.”
The council’s recreation co-ordinator Kim White said if there were to be fee increases they could be introduced progressively.
Council management expenditure includes mowing, building maintenance and insurance, electricity and water, cleaning, repairs and some line marking.
