Lane Cove Council boots out noisy fitness activities

Lane Cove Council on Sydney's lower North Shore has introduced a policy restricting outdoor fitness training at its parks and sportsfields.

Largely based on noise complaints from local residents, the policy bans training on sportsfields before 7am (except for the Council's Blackman Park in Lane Cove West, which can be used from 6am) and also bans personal trainers from exercising within 50 metres of any neighbouring home before 7am.

The policy also target boot camps, banning the use of whistles and amplified voice equipment, such as loudspeakers, which are associated with boot camp-style training sessions.

In respect of noice, the policy states "aggressive and intimidating activities including excessively loud voice calls, whistle blowing or instructions and the use of amplified music or amplified audio (voice) equipment."

The policy reduces fees for personal trainers from a proposed fee of $1,600 per year to $200 per year while trainers will also be charged a one-off $50 application fee.

Trainers will also have to possess a senior first aid certificate and be a Fitness Australia-registered exercise professional. 

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