Fitness Australia concerned by Sunshine Coast Council's price hike for land usage permits

A recent fee increase for low-impact permits for commercial activities on public land introduced by the Sunshine Coast Council has Fitness Australia concerned over its potential affect on the community's ability to exercise.

The recent updating of charges for low-use/low-impact permits has taken the rate from $99 per year to $27 per metre², for up to 24 hours usage per week.

Fitness Australia has reported that its Queensland Membership Manager, Troy Grimshaw has suggested it would be more appropriate for a permit holder to pay a lower tariff of around $10 per metre² for use of the land from up to 10 hours, and a slightly higher tariff be applied for usage between 10 and 20 hours per week.

Grimshaw expressed concerns that trainers would stop buying permits, or raise their prices, therefore affecting the community's ability to exercise.

As part of its Healthy Sunshine Coast initiative, Council has previously offer free Zumba classes in its parks.

Since the initial introduction of council permits for land usage, Fitness Australia has supported the initiative and has always encouraged members to obtain a permit before using outdoor space – while challenging excessive fee hikes, dubbed ‘sweat taxes’, that some councils have attempted to introduce.

In 2014is partnered with Parks and Leisure Australia to develop consistent policies for the delivery of commercial fitness services on public land.

Click here for more information on the Council’s new fees for low-impact permits for commercial activities on public land.

Image: Fitness Australia member Taz Calandruccio of All in One Fitness is being impacted by the Sunshine Coast Council’s new fees. Courtesy of All in One Fitness/Facebook.