City of Stirling slashes planned training policy charges

On the back of its consultation with Fitness Australia, Western Australia's City of Stirling has made major changes to its planned Personal Training Policy that will see thousands of dollars saved by personal trainers in the Perth suburb.

The City of Stirling's original policy recommended charging personal trainers up to $30 an hour for the use of public parks and grounds. However, the Council now plans to cap its charges at $2,200 per annum, a big drop from a potential of around $15,000.

As Robert Barnes, General Manager of Operation for Fitness Australia explains "this is a great outcome for the fitness industry and the people of Stirling and surrounds, making it more affordable and realistic for many trainers and their clients."

Barnes believes that the City of Stirling's decision will have implications for Councils looking to introduce similar charges across Western Australia, adding âwe hope that this attitude and policy is reflected in other cities across the State.

He added "the changed policy also suggests that permits will only be issued to trainers who are Registered with Fitness Australia. This gives the Council and the community confidence in the standard of trainers."

The City of Stirling have backed Fitness Australiaâs advocacy on behalf of the industry are recommending that the Western Australian Department of Sport and Recreation now works closely with Fitness Australia on a code of conduct and that this code of conduct be included in future City of Stirling reviews of the Personal Training Policy.

A copy of the policy and fee structure, effective from 1st July 2010, can be found at www.stirling.wa.gov.au

Australasian Leisure Management investigated council charges for commercial fitness and recreation activities in parks, reserves, beaches and foreshores in a feature in the May/June 2010 issue.

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