Survey reveals fees charged by Western Australian aquatic, recreation and sport centres

Adult users of aquatic centres and local government fitness facilities pay more for single entries in regional Western Australia than they do in Metropolitan Perth according to new figures from the Leisure and Aquatic Centre Fees and Charges Project.

Conducted under the auspices of Parks and Leisure Australia (WA), the WA 2023-24 Leisure & Aquatic Centre Fees and Charges report shows that a single adult pool entry cost an average $7.19 in Metropolitan Perth and $7.33 in regional Western Australia, casual gym entry costs $19.10 in Perth and $19.73 in the regions and that adult sports court hire generally cost more outside Perth.

By contrast the PLAWA study swim school fees were cheaper outside of Perth with average school aged lessons costing $17.25 in the city and $16.45 in the regions, baby lessons costing $16.74 and $15.99, preschool lessons costing $17.56 and $16.82 school aged lessons $17.25 and $16.45 and adult lessons $18.89 and $17.45.

The Leisure and Aquatic Centre Fees and Charges Project collects and shares details on fees, charges and other relevant management information from aquatic, recreation and sports facilities in metropolitan Perth and regional Western Australia.

All facilities are eligible to participate in the data collection project including sports, aquatic, fitness, commercial and government-managed facilities.

For the 2023/24 collection, 32 metro and 15 regional facilities agreed to take part, with over 168 fields of data collected.

The intended purpose of this project is:

1. To aid facility managers to share management information

2. To facilitate the comparison of data

3. To improve access to information for business planning and business cases

4. To aid in the review of fees & charges and fees & charge models.

Notes
Averages were calculated for 26 aquatic data fields for metro and regional centres. 39 of the 47 facilities participating were aquatic facilities.

Casual entry charges generally reflect facility attributes, which vary significantly. Lane hire discounts were reported for clubs, schools, and non-commercial bookings.

Infographics shows only selected data.

For further information please contact PLAWA Executive Officer Leith Fradd on leith@parksleisure.com.au

Main image: Balga Leisurepark's speedgates.