PLA Queensland 'cashing in' conference a huge success

Over 90 delegates attended this week's Parks and Leisure Australia (Queensland Region) one-day conference on the commercial use of open space.

Held on the Gold Coast on Wednesday (20th June), the day was supported by the Gold Coast and Redland City Councils and focussed on gaining perspectives from operators and commercial interests as well and land managers and regulators.

The conference included presentations from the commercial sector as well as the new Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM - which is responsible for state land management and policy) and local governments who had tackled this issue. \

Participants workshopped issues and potential solutions, with the results of the workshop to now be used to develop resources for industry professionals and local governments as well as informing an industry position paper.

Parks and Leisure Australia (Queensland Region) [PLAQ] President Martin Lambert said the day was very successful with participants drawn from Queensland and NSW, state agencies, local governments, commercial facility operators, consultants, major venue managers, fitness operators and personal trainers.

Lambert (pictured) explains "there is a lot of interest in this issue as local governments particularly are struggling with the increasing use of public open space for commercial activity.

"Issues spanned everything from, fitness instructors in local parks, allowing coffee carts to help create vibrant spaces, to partnerships providing ongoing activities or facilities that utilise a particular park or space."

The day formed part of the 'Show me the Green $tuff' series of one-day conferences being organised by PLAQ which targets priority issues raised by Queensland members of the Parks and Leisure Australia association.

'Junk Food Housing' was held in March on the Sunshine Coast while the next event is 'Pay, Play and Away' why is sport becoming a 'snack on the run' rather than a sit down meal will be held in Ipswich in August.

Parks and Leisure Australia is the industry peak body for parks, sport and recreation professionals in Australia.

PLAQ has been working hard to respond to industry needs for discussion and direction in several key areas

To find out more about PLAQ and the 'Pay, Play and Away' conference email: plaq@parksleaisure.com.au 

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