Recreation and Community Facilities Management Policy · Recreation and Community Facilities Management Policy 2011 | 3 Table of Amendments Version Change Adopted by Council I …

Recreation and Community Facilities Management Policy

2 | Rockdale City Council

Table of Contents

Table of Amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1. Policy Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2. Policy Intent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3. Policy Objective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4. Policy Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

5. Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

6. Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

7. Policy Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

8. Breaches of Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

A. Rental Assessment and Subsidy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

B. Recreation and Community Facilities Operational Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

C. Winter & Summer Seasons including Sport Ground Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

D. Light & Field Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

E. Commercial Recreational Activities & Group fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

F. Additional Sports Specific Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

G. Large Carnivals, Circuses & Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

H. Election Campaigns on Council Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

I. Related Policies, Plans of Management and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Recreation and Community Facilities Management Policy 2011 | 3

Table of Amendments

Version Change Adopted by Council

I July 2009 Original Document 1 July 2009

November 2009 That the Rental Assistance Subsidy Policy (RASP) be amended by the deletion of all reference to the not for profit preschool/child care facilities .

4 November 2009

That the Rental Assistance Subsidy Policy (RASP) be incorporated into the Recreation and Community Facilities Management Policy .


5 September 2007 Original Document 5 September 2007

That the Recreation and Community Facilities Management Policy be Amended and adopted to incorporate the 2011 version


I7 February 1999 Original Document 17 February 1999

That the Original Exercising of Dogs Policy be incorporated into The Recreation and Community Facility Management Policy


I1 November 1998 Original Document 11 November 1998

The Original Unauthorised Pole & Post including elections advertising in public space Policy be amended and included into the Recreation and Community Facilities Management Policy


8 May 1985 Original Document 8 May 1985

The Carnival and Circuses Policy be amended and included into the Recreation and Community Facilities Management Policy


1 . Policy Statement

The City of Rockdale has made a commitment to create a City with leisure opportunities that are both accessible and valued by the community . The provision of quality recreation and community facilities is integral to achieving this goal . As such, Council encourages private sector organisations; sporting and community organisations to contribute to the improvement and management of facilities via the entering into a lease, license or permit agreement where appropriate .

Council will retain ownership and control of all its recreation and community facilities, as well as any facilities or external sportsground infrastructure items constructed or improved through collaborative arrangements to ensure the sustainability of these community assets .

2 . Policy Intent

The purpose of this policy is to establish a framework for the allocation and management of Council’s recreation and community facilities, including the allocation and management of Council recreational spaces to commercial sport groups; this policy supports the efficient and effective usage of facilities thereby ensuring the sustainability of these community assets .

This policy aims to balance the need for structured recreational use of Council’s recreational spaces . Promote Rockdale through the allowance of various sporting activities along the foreshore as a tourist destination, whilst balancing this against the rights of Rockdale residents to enjoy open spaces for passive recreation .

The policy aims to protect Council assets for the benefit of Rockdale communities and future generations .

The policy aims to fulfill requirements of State and Council policies in relation to provision of facilities on operational land, Community land, Crown public recreational reserves and open spaces . It determines an adequate level of rental for Council managed / owned properties in accordance with Council valuation policy .

The policy aims to establish an effective management model for the use of community facilities, in the provision of Teen Dance Parties .

The policy aims to provide direction on the management of various activities, including the running of both community and civic events and political campaigns on Council facilities .

The policy provides direction for future standards of recreational facilities and sport levels that council is committed to supporting within the Rockdale LGA .


3 . Policy Objectives

3.1 Establish the principles that will guide the allocation and management of Council’s recreation and community facilities .

3.2 Establish a management model that defines the criteria, which must be met to enter into a lease, license or permit for the use of Council’s recreation and community facilities .

3.3 Establish responsibilities and accountabilities for the maintenance of buildings and grounds allocated under a lease, license or permit agreement so as to ensure the provision of quality facilities and the effective management of risk .

3.4 Establish the ownership arrangements for existing facilities and any new buildings or upgrades constructed on Council owned or controlled land that has been allocated under a lease, license or permit agreement .

3.5 Establish the protocols for accepting and assessing applications and applying fees to ensure the optimal usage of Council’s recreation and community facilities .

3.6 Establish the standard level of Council recreational spaces; including lighting standards, field standards, amenities availability, user and council obligations, including subsidy commitments .

3.7 Establish a financial contribution model for users of Council facilities that should be used in covering the management, maintenance and minor improvement costs of the facility, and for the development of activities or services associated with the facility .

3.8 Incorporate all related Council policies into one document, and identify locations, timeframes and maximum number of commercial operators allowed within each designated location .

3.9 Establish a principle that will guide the allocation criteria and conditions of use for Council facilities used to run Teen Dance Parties .

4 . Policy Scope

This policy applies to all recreational and community facilities owned by Rockdale City Council or under the control of Council .


5 . Principles

The principles stated below will guide all practices associated with the allocation and management of Council’s recreation and community facilities .

Principle 1 – Fairness and Impartiality

“Fairness and Impartiality” is the key principle that will guide ethical behaviour in all dealings with applicants for, and users of, Council’s recreation and community facilities . All applicants and users will be treated equally and no preferential treatment will be given to applicants or users .

Principle 2 – Transparency of Process

“Transparency of Process” is the core principle that ensures procedural integrity . All processes and procedures established for the allocation and management of Council’s recreation and community facilities will be created and implemented in a transparent and open manner .

Principle 3 – Equitable Usage

“Equitable Usage” underpins the fair allocation of facilities to recreation and community groups to allow a degree of continuity of usage without permitting one user group to monopolise a ground or facility, unless under an exclusive lease agreement .

Principle 4 – Co-location and Sharing of Facilities

“Co-location and Sharing of Facilities” is vital to ensuring optimal usage of Council’s recreation and community facilities, so as to prevent the unnecessary duplication of facilities and wastage of community resources .


Principle 5 – Multi-purpose

“Multi-purpose” will be a key design consideration when assessing applications/requests from clubs or organisations to upgrade, expand or replace existing recreation and community facilities, thereby ensuring the long term sustainability of facilities .

Principle 6 – Financial Sustainability

“Financial Sustainability” is a critical factor in ensuring the maintenance of Council’s recreation and community facilities to a high standard and as such, all regular and long term users are required to make ongoing financial contribution towards the upkeep and replacement of facilities and grounds .

Principle 7 – Priority of Need

“Priority of Need” will be a key consideration when assessing applications and allocating recreation and community facilities, particularly in relation to changes in the demographics of an area . Due regard will also be given to ensuring equitability of usage when determining priority of need . Moreover, priority will be given to applicants that principally provide services to residents that live within the City of Rockdale .

Principle 8 – Best Value Return on Asset

“Best Value Return on Asset” will be an important criterion when assessing applications for long term usage of facilities, particularly those requests that will result in the entering into a lease or license agreement .

Principle 9 – Ownership of Assets

“Ownership of Assets” is a critical factor in preserving the public and private contributions to the development and construction of public recreation and community facilities . As such, the City of Rockdale will retain ownership and control of all buildings and other infrastructure (include sportsground lighting) constructed on Council owned land, or land under its control .


6 . Definitions

6.1 “Recreation Facilities” refers to Council owned or controlled buildings, sports fields, and sportsground infrastructure items that are made available for active recreation activities (e .g . amenities buildings, club houses, sports fields, sportsground lighting, parks, reserves, aquatic facilities, indoor facilities, bowling clubs, golf clubs etc .)

6.2 “Community Facilities” refers to Council owned or controlled buildings/ facilities that are principally used to support community services, leisure and cultural activities (e .g . town hall, senior citizens centres, community halls, meeting rooms, community centres, child care facilities, pre-schools and sporting venues and grounds) .

6.3 “Lease” refers to a legal agreement issued by the City of Rockdale that grants exclusive control/occupancy over, a recreation or community facility owned or under the control of Rockdale Council .

6.4 “License” refers to a legal agreement issued by the City of Rockdale that grants occupancy over, a recreation or community facility owned or under the control of Rockdale Council .

6.5 “Permit” refers to a legal agreement issued by the City of Rockdale for non¬exclusive, seasonal or casual hire of all, or part of, a recreation or community facility owned or under the control of Rockdale Council .

6.6 “Sporting Association” refers to an incorporated, principal, regional or state organisation that governs the terms of operation, or conduct of sporting clubs from a particular code of sport (e .g . Soccer Association) . Sporting Associations are usually incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act or the Companies Act .

6.7 “Sporting Club” refers to an incorporated club that has been established to run a sporting activity/s .

6.8 “Community Organisation” refers to an incorporated organisation that has a charitable status and principally provides community services for the aged, disabled, youth, children, families and multi cultural communities .

6.9 “Community Group” refers to an unincorporated club / group of people engaged in a hobby, and or social and cultural exchange that provides some community benefit .

6.10 “Schools” refers to pre-primary, primary and secondary educational institutions that are operated by the state government, private sector, or religious organisations .

6.11 “Private Organisation” refers to incorporated private or commercial organisations that operate on a for profit basis .

6.12 “Government Organisation” refers to a state or federation government department or authority .

6.13 “Individual” refers to a person or group of people that are not operating as a community group or any other type of organisation .

6.14 “Poor Public Citizen” refers to individuals, sporting associations, sporting clubs, community organisation, community groups, schools, private organisations, or any other type of organisation that has been the subject of regular complaints, as a result of their misuse of a Council recreation or community facility .


6.15 “Commercial Sporting Group” refers to any commercial sporting / fitness provider, organization or individual running a business on or within Council’s facilities .

6.16 “Commercial and Group Personal Trainers” Refers to an individual or organisation that specialises in, or provides fitness training to groups for profit .

6.17 “Personal Trainer” refers to an individual who conducts fitness training for two or less people .

6.18 “Boot Camp” refers to a rigid military style type of outdoor fitness activity, with the aim being to bring about the fastest possible results within a short time frame .

6.19 “Gym Session” refers to a fitness activity with or without weights, skipping ropes, etc .

6.20 “Boxing and Pad Training” refers to the utilisation of gloves and pads to simultaneously improve cardiovascular fitness, fully body strength and balance .

6.21 “Organised Aerobics” refers to a range of high and low intensity impact classes .

6.22 “Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates” refers to a range of stretch and tone coordinated movements aimed at improving balance, coordination, flexibility, strength and general wellbeing .

6.23 “Circuit Training” refers to an instructor led combination of various types of fitness classes .

6.24 “Teen Dance Party” refers to underage dance activities, within the 13 to 18 year age category .

6.25 “Youth Service Providers” refers to registered organisations, both private and community based; whose primary activity is to advocate or promote youth initiatives .

6.26 “Community” refers to all residents, service providers, organisations and business based in Rockdale .


7 . Policy Provisions

7.1 Types of Agreements

Council will use three types of agreements namely leases, licenses and permits to assign and manage the usage of its recreation and community facilities . It should be noted that leases will only be used in exceptional circumstances . The criteria that must be met to enter into a lease, license or permit, and the entities eligible to enter into these types of agreements with Council, are documented below:

Legal Instrument

Type of entity that can apply

Criteria / Conditions to be met Term of Agreement

Lease Community Organisation

Local Sporting Association

Local Sports Clubs

Private Organisation

Government Organisation

General

The proposed use of the facility supports the stated principles for this policy and has the potential to address the priority needs of the community .

The potential lessee will upgrade the facility at their own expense, where it would have otherwise remained in the same condition .

The potential lessee must be able to undertake the necessary maintenance to ensure the facility and / or associated grounds are maintained to an agreed standard .

The potential lessee is to provide proof of financial viability to meet its legal obligations under the lease arrangement .

The potential lessee must be an Incorporated body under the Companies act

The potential lessee must submit an acceptable business plan for the management and development of facility under consideration, and use must comply with relevant plans of management, policy and relevant legislative requirements .

The proposed lessee should not be a reformed legal entity previously owing monies to Council or have been declared a “Poor Public Citizen” under policy .

Rental & Subsidy

The lease will return a market rental to Council, in line with any existing policies . Refer to Rental Assessment and Subsidy section of this document .

Hours of Use

Will be in line with DA approval .

Min . 1 year Max . 5 years


Legal Instrument



License Community Organisation


Local Sports

Clubs



Schools

General


The potential licensee must be able to undertake necessary maintenance to ensure the facility and associate grounds are maintained to agreed standard .

The potential licensee is to provide proof of financial viability to meet its legal obligations under the license arrangement .

The potential licensee must be an Incorporated body under the Companies act

The potential licensee must submit an acceptable business plan for the management and development of facility under consideration, and use must comply with relevant plans of management, policy and relevant legislative requirements .

The proposed licensee should not be a reformed legal entity previously owing monies to Council or have been declared a “Poor Public Citizen” under policy .

Rental & Subsidy

The licensee will return a market rental to Council in line with any existing policies . Refer to Rental Assessment and Subsidy section of this document .

Hours of Use

Will be in line with DA approval



Legal Instrument



Permit Community Organisation

Community Group


Local Sports

Clubs



Schools

Individuals

General


The applicant is to provide proof of financial viability to meet the financial obligations under the permit arrangement . Should the application be seasonal or longer .

The proposed use of the facility must comply with the plan of management for the relevant reserve, planning controls and policy of Council, as well legislative requirements .

The applicant should not be a reformed legal entity previously owing monies to Council or have been declared a “Poor Public Citizen” under policy

Fees & Charges

The Permit will return the stated Council fees for the facility applicable to the relevant user group category .

Hours of Use

Halls and Sports fields will be in line with individual the Hours of use section guideline provide .

Sporting facilities will additionally fall under the winter and summer season guidelines provided .

Commercial and Recreational Activities including Carnivals Circuses, Events, Off Leash Areas & Election Campaigns on Council facilities will fall under the guidelines for each individual activity group provided for within this document.


Yearly bookings must be under the seasonal booking process and allocation .

7.2 Form of Agreement

The license, lease and permit agreements developed from time to time must include as a minimum, clauses relating to ownership of assets, subletting, term (period of time) and area granted within the facility/s, type of activities permitted, authority required to undertake extensions or alteration to the facilities, maintenance responsibilities, dispute resolution mechanism, financial obligations and insurance requirements .

The relevant agreement document must be used; however, additional clauses can be included to cover specific situations .


7.3 Assigning Exclusive Use

Exclusive use of recreation or community facilities owned by Rockdale Council, or under its control, can only be granted if it can be established that the proposed use of the facility will achieve the “Best Value Return on Asset” for both Council and the community . Exclusive use can only be granted under a lease agreement and as such, exclusive use clauses must not be included in license or permit agreements . The maximum period an exclusive lease agreement can be entered into with an organisation is 5 years with two renewal options . All lease agreements must be reviewed at least every 5 years in conjunction with the plan of management for the facility and Council’s strategy plans .

7.4 Subletting of Facilities and Sports grounds

Approved users of Council’s recreation and community facilities and sports grounds are not permitted to sublet any, or part of, the facility or sports ground they have been assigned under a lease, license or permit, unless approval to do so has been granted through the inclusion of a relevant clause in their formal agreement with Council .

7.5 Optimal Usage of Facilities and Sports grounds

The maintenance of Council’s recreation and community facilities at an acceptable level requires the facilities and sports grounds to be made available for maintenance and remedial works . As such, facilities and sports grounds will be periodically closed to allow required works to be completed . The optimal level of usage for Council’s facilities and sports grounds is deemed to be 90% .

7.6 Approval to Extend or Alter a Facility

No extensions or alterations can be undertaken to recreation and community facilities owned by Rockdale City Council, or under its control, without the prior written approval of Council . All extensions or alternations (includes buildings, grounds, picnic shelters, pergolas, floodlights etc .) must be in line with the stated principles in this policy, or other relevant Council strategic plans, or plans of management . The applicant (the organisation or club) must obtain Owner’s Consent from the relevant owners (including Council), which must also be accompanied by a business case justifying the benefits to be achieved from the proposed development together with details on how the club will fund the works .

It is expected that all works be fully funded by clubs/organisations . Applicants without the financial means to undertake the works, can forward the application for improvements to Council for consideration in conjunction with the normal priorities associated with the annual capital works programme . No guarantee can be given that funding will be made available . Requests deemed as not being a priority will not be considered for funding .

7.7 Ownership of Existing Facilities and any Building or Ground Improvements

Council will retain ownership of all existing facilities and sports ground infrastructure items, as well as any new buildings, infrastructure items (including flood lighting), and ground and building improvements undertaken on Council owned land, or land under its control, unless otherwise agreed . Approval to divest Council of ownership of any of the abovementioned assets or improvements can only be granted by a resolution of Council .


7.8 Maintenance of Facilities and Sports grounds

All lessee, licensee and permit holders that have been allocated a Council recreation and/or community facility must contribute to the maintenance of the buildings and sports grounds allocated under the lease, license or permit . The minimum maintenance obligations that must be met by lessee, licensee, and permit holders are as follows:

Legal Instrument

Minimum Building Maintenance Obligations Minimum Sports Ground Maintenance Obligations

Lease Payment of utilities including water, gas and electricity

Payments of rates, all insurances and phones

Undertake all maintenance including replacement if necessary

Clean carpets and floor coverings and keep building in tidy condition at all times

All grass areas must be mowed

Fertilise and top dress sports fields in accordance with Council standards

Replace and maintain turf/ grass and water grounds .

Mark out playing fields and maintain including surrounding gardens

Provide Council with an environmental report of all soil to be used for top dressing and obtain Council written approval prior to commencement of works

License Payment of utilities including water, gas and electricity

Payments of phone and contents including public liability insurance

Undertake All minor maintenance including guttering

Clean carpets and floor coverings and report all major maintenance requirements

Keep buildings in clean and tidy at all times .

Water, fertilise and top dress sports fields in accordance with Council standards

Mark out playing surfaces

All sports fields and surrounding areas must be kept in a clean and tidy condition at all times

Report all defects and risks

Provide Council with an environmental report of all soil to be used for top dressing and obtain Council written approval prior to commencement of works .

Permits All building and surrounding areas must be kept clean and tidy at all times, and rubbish placed in bins

Report all defects and maintenance requirements

All Sports Fields and Recreational areas including surround areas must be kept clean and tidy at all times, and rubbish placed in bins .

Report all defects and maintenance requirements

7.9 Preservation of Sports Fields and Grounds

The preservation of sports fields and grounds is critical to ensuring sporting clubs and schools have access to grounds that are in good condition and safe to play on . Accordingly, Council will close all sports fields and grounds periodically to allow grounds to recover, undertake maintenance work, and in extreme wet weather or where it is recommended by the weather bureau, or relevant emergency services . All lessees, licensees, and permit holders must observe an instruction from a Council Officer to not use a Council owned, or controlled, sports fields or grounds that have been deemed closed by the Manager Operations or their nominee . Failure to observe this instruction may result in the lease, license or permit being terminated .


7.10 Conditions of Use

‘Conditions of Use’ schedules prepared for facilities or sports grounds must include as a minimum, clauses pertaining to compliance with health, smoking and alcohol regulations; buildings and grounds maintenance obligations; respecting residents living in neighbouring properties; storage of items; locks and security systems; and signage .

All users of Council’s recreation and community facilities must comply with the terms and conditions issued for the relevant facility . Moreover, all persons attending an activity held at a Council recreation or community facility must also abide by these terms and conditions and other relevant Council regulations .

Failure to observe the relevant “Conditions of Use” or being a “Poor Public Citizen” may result in the lease, license or permit being terminated .

Council will conduct regular compliance inspections to assess whether approved users are observing the required “Conditions of Use” or the terms and conditions of the relevant lease, license or permit agreement .

7.11 Signage, Storage of Equipment, Locks and Security Systems

Users of Council’s recreation and community facilities are not permitted to erect signage on the exterior of any buildings or grounds without the approval of Council .

Under a permit, no items are permitted to be stored within a facility or on sports grounds unless this has been agreed to by the inclusion of a relevant clause in the user’s formal agreement with Council . Items stored within a facility or on a sports ground without the approval of Council will be removed .

Users are not permitted to change locks or security systems (including pin access codes) without the expressed approval of Council .

7.12 Damage to Council Recreation and Community Facilities

All users of Council’s recreation and community facilities are financially liable for any additional cleaning required or damages sustained to Council property or sports fields whether through their own action, or the actions of their contractors, participants and visitors attending any activity they have organised . Damage of a significant nature will result in all future bookings held by the offending organisation being cancelled .

Any damage that can be directly attributed to third party vandalism shall be the responsibility of Council, subject to the verification of evidence to support the claim .

7.13 Fees

All users of Council recreation or community facilities must pay the stated fees, for the relevant usage, as published in Council’s annual fees and charges schedule or the fees and charges determined under the lease and license arrangement in line with Council’s subsidy policy . Failure to pay the required fees by the due date will result in casual bookings being cancelled, and seasonal bookings being suspended until the outstanding fees are cleared .

Failure to meet lease or license payments by the due date will result in the lease or license agreement being terminated, unless an approved repayment schedule is implemented within 30 days from the date the payment was due . Council’s Fees and Charges schedule is to be used in determining hire charges under a permit; whilst the Rental Assessment and Subsidy Policy is to be utilised in determining Lease and License fee arrangements .


7.14 Granting of Discounts and Waiving of Fees

All subsides or waiving of fees must be granted in accordance with Council’s Rental Subsidy and Adopted Fees and Charges Schedule . Any variation of the hire fees for an event by way of discounts, concessions, or sponsorships must be applied for and approved prior to the event by the Council Officer granted the delegated authority .

7.15 Submission of Applications to Hire Council Recreation and Community Facilities

All applications to enter into a lease license or permit agreement for the use of a Council recreation or community facility must be submitted to Council on the required application form or heads of agreement, together with a copy of their insurance currency certificate and any additional documentation requested .

Advertisements inviting applications for annual and seasonal usage of facilities and sports grounds are placed in the local newspaper periodically .

7.16 Refusal of Applications to Hire Council Recreation and Community Facilities

Council reserves the right to refuse any application to hire a Council recreation or community facility, if the proposed usage is judged to be inappropriate for the relevant venue, exceeds the approved capacity for the venue, or conflicts with Council’s mission, goals or values, or may bring Council’s reputation into disrepute .

7.17 Cancellation of Bookings Without Notice

Council may cancel a confirmed booking, or relocate a confirmed booking to an alternative facility without notice, if extraordinary or unusual circumstances warrant such action . The relevant hire fees will be reimbursed in such instances where the booking is cancelled .

7.18 Change in Use of Facility or Extension of Use

All organisations or groups that have entered into a lease, license or permit for the use of a Council recreation or community facility must only use the facility for the agreed activity, at the assigned times, as stated in the agreement document . All requests for change in usage, or additional time allocation, must be submitted to Council on the relevant application form, together with a business plan or case justifying the change in usage or additional time requested .

All additional usage will be charged in accordance with Council’s rental subsidy/ fees and charges schedule . Council reserves the right to decline requests for changes in usage of a facility or additional usage .

7.19 Access to Facilities and Sports grounds

Council reserves the right to enter a Council owned, or controlled, facility or sports ground . With the exception of permit arrangements, Council will advise the lessee and licensee of its intention to enter the facility, and give a reasonable period of notice being a minimum of 7 days in a non emergency situation .

7.20 Compliance with Council Policies, Laws and Procedures

All users of Council owned or managed recreation and community facilities must comply with the relevant Council policies, bylaws and legislation that Council is obligated to observe, as well as all instructions from a Council Officer . Failure to comply with Council policies etc . or an instruction from a Council Officer could result in the user’s lease, license or permit being terminated .


8 . Breaches of the Policy

8.1 Reporting of Breaches

All breaches of this policy should be reported to the Unit Manager that is responsible for managing the lease, license or permit for the particular facility .

8.2 Penalty for Breaches

Penalties for breaches of any clause in this policy will be implemented as stated in the relevant clause . Breaches of a serious nature that result in significant damage to a Council facility or sports field, or the conduct of illegal activities, or an activity that brings the Council’s reputation into disrepute, will result in the immediate cancellation of the relevant organisation’s booking, together with any future bookings held by that organisation .

All breaches will be recorded against the relevant user’s file . Applications for use of a Council recreation or community facility from applicants that have three prior breaches recorded against their record will be declined .


Appendices

A. Rental Assessment and Subsidy

A.1 Setting the Rental Value

For each property, Council seeks to recover either all or a proportion of the total operating costs of that property . For a leased or licensed property Council seeks to recover rent at market value although in some cases a Council rental subsidy may be applied .

Market rental valuations will be obtained for all properties . The market rental value is the amount of annual rent achieved if the accommodation had been let in a competitive market and with specific community buildings (eg community centres) the market rental value should reflect the level of demand for that type of accommodation and community needs as documented in Council Plan’s .

The total costs to Council of operating each facility including depreciation, maintenance, administration, and improvements will be determined . In the case of a new building a sinking fund should be established as part of long term sustainability planning .

Council may assist community users by providing a rental subsidy . The rental subsidies will be for a period as specified in the legal agreement . The category of rental subsidy will be determined according to established criteria and Council’s objectives . The established criteria are documented in the Category Table which forms part of this policy . In all cases the level of subsidy will be reviewed in line with term agreements; this will be reflected in the agreements . The review does not imply a change in the level of subsidy but is required so that Council is fully informed on the total level of subsidies being applied . All rental subsidies must be reported to the community annually .

The criteria set out in the Category Table may be reviewed and revised on a regular basis and will be disclosed in the Pricing Policy of Council’s Management Plan .

Council seeks to ensure that the cost to Council of the provision of community facilities is absolutely open and transparent . Council has a fiduciary responsibility to all ratepayers and must clearly identify the actual cost of all rental subsidies .

A.2 Calculation of a Rental Subsidy

Step 1

A market rental value will be obtained for the property .

Step 2

The total costs to Council of operating the property including depreciation, insurance, maintenance, rent payable to Department of Lands, administration and improvements will be determined . While total costs of operating the facility should be covered by the rent paid by the user, in some situations, especially in relation to new community facilities, the market rental value may be less than the total costs of operating a facility .

Step 3

The level of the rental subsidy will be determined against the market rental value and will be based on a number of criteria which will be established and communicated to potential occupants prior to establishing an agreement . The criteria are outlined in the Category Table although there may also be a number of specific


criteria that relates to the use of the facility . The level of subsidisation will vary between none to 100% of the market rental value . This excludes the levy that could be charged for facilities on Crown Reserves and is determined by the Minister of Lands .

The rent payable by the user must always include the rent payable by Council to the Department of Lands for use of Crown lands where applicable .

In situations where a user or lessee undertakes, with the consent of Council, a major upgrade or maintenance activity this will be taken into account when determining the level of subsidy that will be applied and may provide a discount on the market rental value .

While the criteria that will be used to determine the level of subsidy may vary according to the type of facility or Council’s long term directions they will generally include:

Assessment against the broad criteria in the Category Table

Ability to generate income from their activities including fees for services, hiring out of the facility, private sector sponsorship and other government grants and subsidies . Financial statements will be requested .

Can the lessees demonstrate that a reduced rent for an agreed period would have significant social, community and economic benefit?

Would a subsidy encourage a particular cultural/ community activity to establish itself?

The extent of the benefit of the subsidy to members of community . That is, how many community members gain a benefit from the application of the rental subsidy?

Will application of subsidy address identified community needs?

Competitive neutrality issues may arise, for example, where a private operator believes that a child care facility that receives significant subsidies from Council has an unfair advantage .

Level of financial commitment by user to undertaking maintenance and major upgrades .

Depending on use there may also be some specific criteria . For example in determining the level of subsidy for child care facilities other factors that could be considered include the number of places; where the children live; level of government subsidies; fees charged; number of children with special needs catered for; qualifications of staff .

A.3 Existing Arrangements

Council owns a number of buildings and recreational open spaces, which are leased and/or licensed to a range of community groups and organisations . These include aged facilities, sporting groups and neighbourhood community groups . Many of them have not entered into leases/licenses using a contestable process and many only pay a peppercorn rent . It is Council’s intention to enter into a legal agreement with these groups .

Where a current license, lease or other formal agreement exists, this will be honoured until its expiry . A review of future management options for the facility will be undertaken within the last 24 months of the agreement period . It will take account of existing usage rates and the potential for the facility to be used on a multi user basis, in line with changing community needs as outlined in the Council Plan’s and in consultation with the community . The level of rent paid will also be reviewed at this time .

If a review indicates that a higher rental will be charged it will be introduced over an extended period of up to three years to limit the impact on the user group .


A.4 New Application for Lease

The availability of exclusive use space in Council owned buildings is limited . However, when space becomes available, Council may advertise any vacancies and these will be considered in accordance with the specified criteria that might include identified community needs; whether Access and Equity principles are implemented by the organisation; and the enrichment of the community’s cultural life .

A.5 Accessibility

Council will seek to ensure that facilities are progressively updated to become physically accessible to everyone and in accordance to the current Building Code of Australia . Where facilities become available for long term use by community groups, their availability will be advertised .

A.6 Exclusions

The Rental Subsidy excludes:

Council facilities that are covered by specific legal commercial leasing/licensing agreements as approved by Council .

Not for profit preschools / child care facilities .


Reactive & Ongoing

Maintenance

Takes responsibility for internal & external reactive maintenance as detailed in agreement .

Takes responsibility for almost all the internal & external reactive maintenance as detailed in agreement .

Takes responsibility for some of internal & external reactive maintenance as detailed in agreement .

Does not take responsibility for internal & external reactive maintenance even though detailed in agreement .

Extent of service provided by organisation

(Organisation can be requested to identify groups they service and the group and community need met as per the Council Plan’s)

Broad community (more than 40%) is a beneficiary of service provided by organisation .

Between 20% to 40% of the community is a beneficiary of the service provided by the organisation .

While the organisation provides a direct service to less than 20% of local community, it forms part of a larger service provision .

Less than 10% of the community uses the service .

Extent of Accessibility of Facility to community

Facilities are accessible to all members of the Rockdale community .

The facilities are 80% of the time accessible to members of the community .

Fees are charged . Members only access .

Number / type of service providers

A unique community service in the City (only one of a kind) .

One of a number of providers of a community service .

Provides a service of limited community needs (less than 5% of the community would use the service) .

Meets social and recreational needs only .

Ability to charge fees & raise Income

No fees are charged .

Fees are charged but a subsidy scheme is available or fees are regularly written off .

Fees are charged but the organisation is not for profit .

Operates on profit basis .

CriteriaPossible Range of an Organisation’s Responses

4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point

A.7 Criteria Table

Determining the Level of Subsidy

The level of subsidy will be determined by assessing each user against the criteria and evaluating their weighted distribution across the categories .


Access to other sources of Funding

No access to other funding sources .

Limited access to other sources of funding (no more than 5% total) .

Access to other sources of funding - State, Federal or Local which provides 5 - 30% of total funding .

Access to other sources of funding - State, Federal & Local which provides more than 30% of funding .

Do they provide direct competition to commercial ventures

No similar service is provided by a privately owned organisation .

A similar service can be provided by a privately owned organisation but no such organisation is operating in the City .

While similar service is provided by privately owned organisations, the applicant provides added or differentiated service to users .

Similar service provided by privately owned organisations is available in the City .

Does their service impact on Council’s need to provide similar service?

The service provided has been identified as a core responsibility of Council (as per Management Plan) .

80% of the service provided as been identified as a core responsibility of Council (as per Management Plan) .

Service is not core responsibility of Council but could be provided as is the case in neighbouring Council areas .

Service is not responsibility of Council (as per Management Plan) .

Organisational status and Structure

The organisation has a regional focus, is a locally based, not for profit and does not belong to a larger not for profit organisation .

It has a voluntary management committee, comprised mainly of local area representatives .

The organisation is locally based, not for profit and does not belong to a larger not for profit organisation .

It has a voluntary management committee, comprised mainly of local area representatives .

The organisation is a locally based service outlet or project that is part of a larger not for profit organisation .

It has a voluntary advisory committee, comprised partly of local area representatives .

The organisation is a locally based service, outlet or project that is part of a larger not for profit organisation .

There is limited, or no local area representation on the advisory committee or similar .

Capacity to undertake range of administrative and management responsibilities

Dependent on assistance from volunteers for all administrative and management functions .

Paid staff undertake all of the administrative and management functions and volunteers assist with other tasks .

Staff undertake all of administrative and management functions with additional assistance provided by umbrella organisation .

Umbrella organisation responsible for administrative and management functions .

CriteriaPossible Range of an Organisation’s Responses

4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point


Points Subsidy Points Subsidy Points Subsidy Points Subsidy

1 0% 11 5% 21 54% 31 91%

2 0% 12 10% 22 58% 32 92%

3 0% 13 15% 23 62% 33 93%

4 0% 14 20% 24 66% 34 94%

5 0% 15 25% 25 70% 35 95%

6 0% 16 30% 26 74% 36 96%

7 0% 17 35% 27 78% 37 97%

8 0% 18 40% 28 82% 38 98%

9 0% 19 45% 29 86% 39 99%

10 0% 20 50% 30 90% 40 100%

The table below provides a basis for Council to categorise the rental subsidy applied to its income producing premises:

Category Level of Subsidisation From (>) To (<=) Range

A High 90% 100% 30 - 40

B Medium 50% 90% 20 - 30

C Low 0% 50% 10 - 20

D None 0% 0% 0 - 9


B. Recreation and Community Facility Operational Times

Unless specified in a lease, license or under special one-off arrangement under a permit and in line with DA approvals, the following times can be allocated to use of:

B.1 Hours of Use & Additional Requirements

Facility Hours of Use & Additional Requirements

Town Hall Monday to Sunday – 8am to 11 .30pm Due to caretaker requirements and access issue to Council

building, Town Hall is not available over Public Holidays, unless under special arrangement and conditions .

Town Hall will additionally be the only Council Venue approved to host Teen Dance Parties . See use of Town hall for Teen Dance Parties Section B .2 of this document .

Coronation Hall and Arncliffe meeting rooms

Due to its proximity to residents Coronation Hall & Arncliffe meeting rooms are available for hire from: Monday to Thursday - 8am – 10pm Friday & Saturday - 8am – 11 .30pm On Sunday and Public Holidays this facility is available only to

regular users with a key from: 8am to 6pm for meetings only .

Rockdale Senior Centre’s Monday to Saturday 9am – 10pm Sunday 9am – 6pm Senior Centres may be hired out to the public for private functions

on a one of bases, when not booked by senior groups over the weekend between the hours of 9am – 6pm .

Syd Frost Hall , Kingsgrove / Bexley North Community Centre

Monday to Saturday 9am – 10pm Sunday 9am – 6pm

Bexley Community Centre Monday to Sunday 8am – 10pm

Brighton Community Centre Monday to Friday 9am – 8pm Saturday 9am – 1pm Sunday & Public Holidays – Not available for hire .

Council Sports Fields Monday to Friday – 8 .30am – 9 .30pm Weekends & Public Holidays – 8am – 5 .30pm (Winter) and

8am to 7pm (Summer) Winter & Summer Seasons are covered in separate section of this

Document .

Commercial and Recreational Activities including Carnivals Circuses, Events

See guidelines for each individual activity group provided for within the Appendices for permitted times .


B.2 Use of Town Hall for Teen Dance Parties

B.2.1 Statement

Rockdale City Council has made a commitment to support youth activities and initiatives within the City of Rockdale . Council encourages Youth Service providers and organisations to contribute towards meeting local youth needs through the provision of Teen Dance parties within its community facilities .

B.2.2 Scope

This applies to all applications received to hold Teen Dance Parties within Council facilities .

B.2.3 The Venue

In the interest of public safety, accessibility and in an effort to minimise disruption to the residents . Town Hall is to be the only venue which is approved to host Teen Dance Parties .

B.2.4 Hours of Usage

To minimise disruptions to the school curriculum and as part of Council’s social responsibility, Teen Dance Parties can only be held once a school term, at either the beginning or end of the school holiday period . The allocated time of usage will be - : start at 7pm ending no later than 12 midnight .

B.2.5 Restrictions

Teen Dance Parties will only be open for attendance to youth, aged between 13 and 18 years of age .

B.2.6 Notification Period

Application should be received no less than three months prior to the event to assist in the processing and planning stages of the event . St George Police additionally require three months notification of intent to hold event . Late applications will not be processed .

B.2.7 Conditions

The Organisers are to ensure that:

They are an incorporated organisation .

They have previous proven Dance Party or Event Management experience, with contactable referees .

They provide a thorough management plan and risk management plan with their application .

Adequate security staff are provided (with a minimum of 5 security staff at least one to be female) . Council reserves the right to request the operator to increase these numbers dependant on its evaluation of risk .

Security is to be provided by a reputable security firm only .

A minimum of 3 St Johns/ Red Cross staff or equivalent are to be on site during the duration of the party .

No over 18s are allowed to attend the event .

Youth cannot leave and re-enter premises . This is to minimise the risk associated with the potential of Drug and Alcohol consumption during the event .

The Organiser is to provide at the point of entry to the event, the bus and train timetable for party goers .

To ensure the safety of party goers, it is the responsibility of the Organiser to ensure no youth are left stranded at the end of the event . Additionally the Organiser is to ensure all attendees have wristbands on them, making them easily identifiable .

There will be no consumption of Drugs / Alcohol or energy drinks on the premises, and the Organiser shall ensure there is an adequate supply of drinking water .

No one suspected to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol is permitted to gain entry to the event .


Organiser to ensure all Staff have valid police and working with children clearances .

The use of Glow sticks is banned at the venue due to the risks associated with splashes in to eyes when they are broken .

All “NSW Party Guidelines” apply .

There is to be a maximum of 650 attendees permitted inside the Town Hall at any given time during the Dance Party, unless Council staff and Police present on the night deem it safe to increase numbers after consideration of environment factors .

The Organiser is to display emergency contact details on all advertising materials .

All Tickets to be sold through reputable ticket agents where refunds can be obtained in the event of cancellation .

Conditions of refund to be clearly marked on Tickets

All security staff are to remain at the end of the event until the crowd has disbursed and Town Hall doors are closed .

Additional conditions may be imposed by Council upon applications .

B.2.8 Exclusions

Rockdale City Council activities and activities in line with Youth Week celebrations and private family functions .

C. Winter & Summer Seasons including Sport Ground Maintenance Periods

To allow for the adequate preparation and recovery of sports grounds and to minimise the impact of sports creep, the following outlines Council’s Summer and Winter Seasons periods .

Winter – Begins on the 1st Saturday of April – Concludes on the 3rd Sunday of August .

Summer – Begins on the 1st Saturday of September – Concludes on the 3rd Sunday of March .

Scarborough Park field 7 will be used for an extra week at the end of the winter season by the St George Football Association to accommodate final matches .

During the month of March only, Brighton Memorial Fields or one permitted field will be made available to the St George Football Association for pre season training for local registered sports clubs .

Rockdale City Council is committed to giving priority to its sporting venues to St George Sports Associations and Rockdale-based and registered sports clubs .


D. Lighting & Field Standard’s

Council will adopt the Australian Standard AS 2560 .2 .3 – 2007 as its standard for sport field lighting .

Council is committed to developing a minimum lighting level of 50 lux for its sports fields . This is adequate for ball skills development and physical training . As Council does not permit grounds for night sports matches including cricket fixtures, the only grounds with a higher than 50 lux level shall be St George Stadium and Bicentennial Park South; being the main playing ground at Bicentennial Park .

These will be at a minimum of 200 lux which is the Australian Standard for semi professional football competitions . All Council lighting shall take into account environmental impact and energy efficiency

Council is committed to providing the following standard of sports fields:

High Quality

With the capacity to support higher level competitions and events, including catering for spectators . These will include:

St George Stadium

Bicentennial Park South

Bexley Oval

Cahill Park

As a minimum standard the above will consist of:

1 . High standard grounds

2 . Irrigation and Drainage

3 . Club House/ Room

4 . Changing Rooms & Toilets for teams and umpires/ referee

5 . Public Toilets

6 . Permanent or temporal fencing for crowd control

7 . Sporting support structures- warm up fields / training nets

8 . Seating

9 . Parking

Intermediate

Good quality, with the capacity to support local level competitions . These will include:

Tonbridge Reserve

Gardiner Park

Scarborough Park North

Scarborough Park South baseball diamonds

Arncliffe Park Sports Fields

Kingsgrove Avenue Reserve Playing Field

Council Managed Bowling Clubs

Council Managed Tennis Courts

Council Managed Netball Courts


As a minimum standard the above will consist of:

1 . A lower level of spectator fencing

2 . Good standard of field surface and wicket

3 . Change Rooms, toilets for teams and umpires/ referee

4 . Public Toilets

5 . Kiosk/ Canteen

6 . Off street parking and /or surrounding street parking

7 . Provision of space to erect seating for small numbers of spectators when required .

Basic

Safe and appealing quality . This will include:

All remaining Council sports grounds

Brighton Beach Volleyball area

The above will consist of:

1 . Standard of wicket and playing surface adequate for safe training and grass roots level sports games .

2 . Adequate Public toilet facilities

3 . Kiosks/ Canteen

4 . Off street or surrounding area parking availability

All facilities are to have adequate waste management provision and lighting levels as defined under field lighting.

Kiosks/ Canteens and Club houses which adjoin or are associated with a corresponding field will be allocated to the occupants of the adjoining field or associated field.

Cleaning, opening and closing of toilet blocks unless other wise specified in a license, lease, permit or other agreement, will be the responsibility of Council . Toilet blocks on sporting fields will be made available to all users were shared permit, license and lease arrangements exist; exemptions are club changing rooms and storage areas .

Due to the high cost in maintaining and stocking Council amenities buildings on sports fields and the high costs associated with lighting, all sports user and groups operating under a permit requiring the use of amenities and/or lighting will be required to contribute towards some of the costs associated with the provision of such . These costs will be determined by Council’s fees and Charges . No exemption to such costs will be granted .


E. Commercial Recreational Activities & Group Fitness

Rockdale City Council recognises the role that Commercial Recreational and Group fitness providers play within the City of Rockdale . Council supports where appropriate the use of its recreational open spaces for the provision of commercial recreational activities and group fitness classes .

E.1 Commercial and Personal Fitness

E.2 Statement

Council recognises that Group and Personal fitness training is one of the strongest growth segments in the fitness industry, with increasing numbers of commercial operator’s utilising council reserves for the provision of such activities .

Council permits the use of its open space for the provision of Group and Personal fitness activities whilst retaining ownership and control of its community facilities; to ensure the sustainability of its assets and balance community expectation of the use of these assets and minimise conflicts .

E.3 The Venue

The venue for such activities shall be council recreational open spaces, playing fields, parks and designated beach area .

E.4 Hours of Usage

The hours of use shall be:

Summer: 6am to 7 .30pm during the week and 6am to 10 .30am during weekends .

Winter: 6am to 5pm during the week and 6am to 11 .30pm during weekends .

During daylight saving the use of beaches for group fitness training programs are restricted to the hours of 6am to 9 .30am over weekends, school holidays and public holidays only . This is to mimimise the impact to beach goers, due to the nature of these activities .

Summer weekend Hours are reduced to allow for minimal interruptions to the general public using Council beaches and parks .

Winter week hours are reduced to minimise risk to participants caused through change of lighting conditions .

E.5 Fee Structure

There will be no waivers or discounts offered to commercial operators or activities . Council will not charge for one-on-one personal training .

E.6 Accreditation

All applicants must provide official proof of accreditation to Fitness NSW the industry governing body, and be a registered business .

E.7. Cancellation of activity due to weather

Council is not liable for user cancellation of class due to weather condition .


E.8 Permitted Activities

Rockdale City Council will monitor industry trends and reserves the right to include new activities to its policy . The permitted activities by way of policy are:

Yoga

Tai Chi

Walking, Jogging and Running

Pad training ,either boxing or kickboxing style

Aerobics

Pilates

Circuit training without weights

Boot Camp

Exclusions

Activities not permitted by way of this policy are:

Weight training activities on recreational open spaces .

Activities that involve the use of weapons eg the use of swords .

Static training along the shore line .

Training along the shore line of Rockdale Beaches after 9 .30am during weekends, school holiday , public holidays over the daylight saving period .

E.9 Designated Commercial Group Fitness Areas

Peter Depena Reserve – maximum of three operators permitted at any given time .

Scarborough Park Central and East– maximum of three operators at any given time . Only permitted out of peak school and club sporting times .

Bicentennial Park recreational area – maximum of one operator at any given time .

Rockdale Beaches – maximum of one operator at any given time per Beach area within the stipulated hours of usage .

Exclusion Zones

There are a number of exclusions Zones under this policy . These are:

Rockdale Park .

Picnic Sheds/Shelters .

Activities are required to be a minimum of 20 metres from children’s play area and equipment, public change rooms and toilets .

Activities are required to be a minimum of 50 metres from residential property, Kiosks/Canteen in the park or the beach area unless running or walking through .

Activities cannot take place on stairways, footpaths and boardwalks .

E.10 Exclusions

Rockdale City Council initiatives aimed at servicing specific target groups . Eg Free elderly out door physical activities aimed at combating diabetes, obesity etc .

Commercial organisations running council permitted promotions within the City of Rockdale .


F. Additional Sports Specific Activities

F.1 Kite Surfing & Paddle Boating

Council will allow up to three commercial Kite Surfing / Paddle Boating operator along its foreshore . The two designated areas for ALL Kite Surfing and Paddle Boating will be between:

McRae’s Avenue and Primrose St

Scarborough and Culver St

The allocated hours of operation under a permit shall be 8am to 7pm during daylight saving and 8am to 4pm during winter months .

F.2 Kayaking

Council will allow for only two kayaking commercial operators along its foreshore . The designated foreshore area for ALL kayaking will be along little Grand Parade, between Bestic and Rowley streets . The allocated hours of operation under a permit shall be 8am to 7pm during daylight saving and 8am to 4pm during winter months .

F.3 Windsurfing

Council will allocate space opposite the Emaline St, Ramsgate Car Park foreshore, for ALL windsurfing a maximum of two commercial windsurfing operators will be granted a permit . The allocated hours of operation under a permit shall be 8am to 7pm during daylight saving and 8am to 4pm during winter months .

F.4 Jet skiing and Water Motorised launched Activities

All Jet Ski and motorised launched activities are to be launched from the boating facilities provided at Kyeemagh and are not to come within 60 metres of the shore line and designated swimming areas . Council will not permit any motorised water craft activities to launch off its beaches .

F.5 Sporting Competitions;

All Commercial Recreational Activities and Group Fitness competitions proposed will be held on the specific activities designated area . Permission to host competitions to be granted to Sports Governing Authorities only .

F.6 Foreshore Based Swimming Programs.

Brighton beach nets will be permitted to the Little Nippers (Brighton Baths Athletics Club) Ramsgate Beach nets to be permitted to Ramsgate Life Saving Club .

Monterey nets will be permitted to a Learn to Swim Operator .

In all cases preference will be given to existing operators during the renewal period .

F.7 Commercial Bike Hire

Council encourages the use of its footpaths and cycle tracks . Council will permit the hire out of bicycles directly from its parks and recreational open spaces to a single operator . This will be managed under an expression of interest . No permanent structures are to be erected on Council’s open spaces for the purpose of providing this service .


F.8 Beach Volleyball

Council recognises that a demand exists to hold both structured and passive Beach Volleyball activities at Brighton Beach . During daylight saving Brighton Beach Volleyball Association will be allocated on request the volleyball area to operate structured activities in line with Council’s fees and charges, between the hours of:

Tuesday and Thursday from 5 .30pm – 7 .30pm . Saturday from 8am – 1pm .

When not in use during the times allocated to the Beach Volleyball Association; and during all other times the Volleyball area will be made available to the general public .

F.8.1 Exclusions

Regional competitions, held under the NSW Beach Volleyball Association .

F.9 Off Leash Dog Areas

Council approves the following Park and Beach areas for the exercise of dogs off leash . These areas are to have clear signage to assist users .

F.9.1 Parks

Part Fry’s Reserve – 1 & 1A Warialda Street, Kogarah .

The area between lower Wilson’s Road and Pile Street on Bardwell Creek .

Part Kingsgrove Avenue Reserve- 15 Kingsgrove Avenue, Kingsgrove .

The RTA owned land – 79A Bestic Street, Rockdale .

Part Scarborough Park Monterey- 99 President Avenue, Kogarah .

F.9.2 Beaches

217 metres of Beach along General Homes Drive; Between Kayeemagh & South of Mascot .

140 metres of Beach along Riverside Drive Sans Souci; Between St George Sailing Club and Captain Cook Bridge along Rocky Point Road .

F.10. New Commercial Recreation Activities

Council acknowledges the need to keep up with local and international trends and demands . Whilst consideration to new activities will be given, this will need to take into account available locations and impact on local residents . It is Council’s intent to promote Commercial Recreation Activities without over-commercialising its foreshore .


G. Large Carnivals, Circuses & Events

G.1 Carnivals ( Including fun fairs with rides)

Council is committed to hosting carnivals and events on its open spaces . Council has designated Cahill Park outer grounds as its venue for hosting carnivals . The following operation hours for carnivals will be strictly adhered to:

Monday to Friday – 5pm – 9pm .

Weekends and Public holidays – 3pm – 9pm .

G.2 Events

Council acknowledges the importance that events play in highlighting the attributes of the City . The following areas have been identified as Council’s venues for hosting events .

Peter Depena Reserve .

Arncliffe Park .

Bicentennial Park North .

Brighton Beach .

Council Parks & Reserves .

Outer Grounds of Council Sports Fields .

King Street Place & Council Car Parks .

Rockdale Park .

G.2.1 Exemptions

Council managed events .

Tonbridge Park for Carols by Candle Light .

G.2.2 Event Times

Due to the varying nature of events and proximity to residential areas approved event times are 8 .30am to 9 .30pm with the exception to New Year’s Eve Fire Works, Carols by Candle Light, Open Cinema and other Council managed events or supported events .

G.3 Circuses

Council acknowledges there are varying views within the Community in relation to the use of animals in Circuses . Until such time that either Council resolves to ban the use of performing animals within the Rockdale area or the use of such is declared illegal within NSW, circuses can operate out of Cahill Park .

Council will allow up to three weeks a calendar year for Circuses that use performing animals . Circus operators will be required to carry out the following:

Provide a veterinary certificate to prove the wellbeing and care of animals at time of application .

Have animals examined by a registered vet two days prior to commencement of the circus and provide proof on the wellbeing and care of animals on that day .

Meet all the terms and conditions on application forms and all special conditions specified on permit at the time of issue .

Closing time for circuses will be 11pm during the week and 11 .30pm over weekend and public holidays .


H. Election campaigns in Council Facilities and Public Open Space

Election Posters

In line with the State Environmental Planning Policy No 64 an election candidate may place within the LGA of Rockdale Council; being exempt development, posters that contain electoral matter in relation to an election . Posters are to be no larger than 8000 square centimetres, and displayed by or on behalf of a candidate at the election or the party of any such candidate . All displays must be in accordance with any requirements of the Act under which the election is held .

Posters may be put up five weeks immediately preceding the day on which the election is held, and removed within one week following the election .

PERMISSION OF THE PROPERTY OWNER MUST BE OBTAINED.

Use of Council’s Community Facilities.

Council can approve candidates to utilise its Community facilities for the purpose of public meeting . All candidates will need to apply for a permit and meet the same criteria as any other applicant wishing to use such facilities . Candidate and political parties will get no preference to facility bookings and no existing bookings will be cancelled or renegotiated to make way for candidates and political parties . Candidate or political party application will be processed on a first come first serve bases, based of Council’s Trim records as to the time of receipt of application .

Once an application has been lodged candidate are to wait up to three days for these to be processed . All direct communication from candidate and political parties in relation to any outcomes after applications have been processed are to be directly with the General Manager of Council .

NO PROMOTIONAL MATTERIAL IS TO BE LEFT ON COUNCIL BUILDINGS AFTER THE MEETING. ALL CANDIDATES ARE BOUND BY COUNCIL’S CONDITIONS OF USE.


I. Related Policies, Plans of Management and Guidelines

Policies

Rental Assistance Subsidy Policy .

Recreation and Community Facilities Management Policy .

Exercising of Dogs Policy .

Companion Animals Act of 1998 .

State Environmental Planning Policy No 64 “Advertising and Signage” .

Parliamentary Electorates and elections Act of 1912 amended 6/3/2009 .

Management Plans

Cook Park Plan of Management .

Rockdale City Plan .

Community Services Plan .

Open Space & Recreational Strategy .

The Rockdale Local Environment Plan 2000 and the Development Control Plans (DCP) No . 29 “Outdoor Advertising” and No . 52 “Goods and Signs in Public Places” .

Guidelines

Australian Standard AS 2560 .2 .3 – 2007 (Sports Lighting All Codes) .

NSW Maritime Boating Handbook 2010/11 .

NSW Party Guidelines .

Documents

Recreation and Community Facilities Management Policy · Recreation and Community Facilities Management Policy 2011 | 3 Table of Amendments Version Change Adopted by Council I …