Central Highlands Regional Council rebuffs sports clubs accusations of overcharging

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS Regional Council (CHRC) has rebuffed accusations by several sports clubs complaining of newly introduced high rental fees saying those who formerly paid no rent needed to register as not for profit organisations.

“Our policy is to focus on supporting volunteer not-for-profit clubs by providing spaces for them free of charge,” a Council spokeswoman said.

“The policy aims to increase not-for-profit clubs opportunities to use council spaces and provide active recreation to as many people as possible.”

Several sports clubs said they were forced to find alternative premises from which to operate after Council introduced the new rental fees which they say are unreasonably high.

Duanne Spiccia from the Emerald Karate Club, Goju Ryu, said he had been forced to seek alternative premises after they were forced out of free use of the show grounds pavilion for two hours a week following Council’s decision  to introduce a new fee of $340 per week. 

In the past Council staff member Courtney Wheeler had offered free rent for this predominantly children’s club according to the karate club which said it made no profit.

However, Council said some clubs in the region, including the Central Highlands Goju Ryu, operated as commercial enterprises where profits went to the owners.

To read the full article, please see this week's edition of the Highlands Leader, available Friday.