Media Response - Community Facilities Policy

Published on 23 May 2025

Response to The Advertiser

The journalist asked for responses to the following questions:

1. Why is the council changing its policy to charge community groups lease fees?

2. Given the 35 tenants are on peppercorn leases, how does it expect some groups to pay as much as $20,000 a year?

3. Can the groups apply for subsidies under the new policy, if so, what percentage discount could they receive?

4. The table, included as part of the agenda item on Tuesday night, listed Burnside CFS - Minister for Emergency Services. Does this mean the rental bill will be passed onto the minister, rather than the CFS?

Comments attributed to Julia Grant, Chief Executive Officer

Council has undertaken a comprehensive review of the Community Facilities Policy to establish a consistent, equitable, and financially sustainable approach to managing leased and licensed community facilities across the City. As part of this review, Council is considering whether it is appropriate to charge a lease fee to clubs that have exclusive access to facilities on community land.

While no changes have been made to the Policy at this stage, and no formal decision has been taken, Council has endorsed further consultation and collaboration with all tenants following the Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 20 May, with the matter to return for deliberation in the 2025/26 Financial Year.  Should Council ultimately decide to adopt changes, including a potential cost recovery model, it will work closely with tenants to ensure any implementation is smooth, guided, and well-supported. Any proposed lease fees brought into effect from a change in the Policy would be distributed into a sinking fund that would then be invested back into the clubs and organisations to finance upgrades or renewals when needed.