Oval fees waived
Wednesday October 14, 2009
A decision to waive the fees for a number of groups to use Ward Oval has caused concern among some councillors.
A motion to waive the fees for six local sporting groups, totaling $1,980, was carried at last week’s finance and policy meeting of Cobar Shire Council, although some councillors who did not vote for the matter have expressed concern that the decision may have been made too quickly.
Cr Jarrod Marsden put forward the notice of motion to the meeting calling for Cobar District Cricket Association, Cobar Junior Soccer Club, Cobar Little Athletics, Cobar Football and Netball Club (Blues), Cobar Junior Netball, and Cobar Touch Football Association to have their fees waived.
“I believe we should be actively and evenly promoting junior, sporting and other not for profit organisations,” Cr Marsden said.
He said the outcome of recent meetings with the Ward Oval Users Committee found that clubs were confused about the basis of fees, with each club paying a different amount.
Cr Peter Yench said while he didn’t object to supporting junior sports or the amount of money involved, he urged councillors to consider further implications of waiving the fees.
“Our budget has got to be registered, and the government circles know all our business.
“During the next 12 months we could apply for funding to do work at the oval, but before they [governments] give out funding they look up our file and they will find we’re giving everything away. They won’t help us if we aren’t helping ourselves,” Cr Yench said.
Cr Tracey Kings told The Cobar Weekly on Monday she agreed with Cr Yench, saying she felt the matter needed more consideration before a decision was made.
Cr Michael Cox said he was also concerned at the timing of the proposal.
“It would be nice for all amateur groups to use the council facilities for free, but we have to maintain and run these facilities for all, including the rate payers.
“Fees were set as part of the budget process, and it is not appropriate to revisit them ad hoc, and give relief to this one or that. It must remain part of the budget process,” he said.
The recommendation must now be formally adopted at the next ordinary council meeting.
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