AusLeisure

Sutherland Shire Council has joined with Fitness Australia to launch the Shireâs policy for the use of public open space by commercial fitness groups and personal trainers.

The Council's policy, developed in tandem with Fitness Australia, is seen as a common-sense and best practice example of how local authorities should approach the management of commercial fitness activities in public open space.

Explaining the policy, a spokesperson for Sutherland Shire Council told Australasian Leisure Management that "in response to the growing group and personal training industry, council has developed a policy for the use of public open space by commercial fitness groups and personal trainers.

"Due to this growth, a number of issues have arisen. Residents adjoining parks have been disturbed and noisy group training in residential areas has also generated complaints.

"The policy addresses equal access to public open space by all members of the community; the impact of the high level of use on parks and reserves and public liability concerns.

"The policy aims to ensure that training activities are delivered in a way that minimises the impact on surrounding residents and to enable the best use of public open space.

"It also provide(s) certainty for personal trainers by providing firm guidelines on how and when public open space can be used."

The spokesperson also explained that the policy and annual registration fee of $110 (including GST) "has been set at a level to encourage registration and compliance with the code of conduct."

The spokesperson also highlighted that "the fee is significantly lower than those charged by other metropolitan councils."

Organisations including Fitness Australia and the Heart Foundation have previously expressed fears that some Councils have approached the introduction of fees and charges for personal trainers and fitness groups in public open space as exercises in revenue raising.

Proposals for high charges, known as 'sweat taxes', have included plans by Warringah Council in NSW to charge up to $2,200 per annum for personal trainers and fitness groups.

In April, Fitness Australia released a position statement , the Provision of Fitness Training Services in Public Areas, to assist consultation with authorities on the issue and to raise awareness regarding of the potentially negative impact that high 'sweat taxes' would have on the health and fitness of Australians.

Click here to view the Sutherland Shire Council policy.

For more information on Fitness Australia's position statement on the 'Provision of Fitness Training Services in Public Areas contact Fitness Australia on 1300 211 311. 

30th April 2010 - FITNESS AUSTRALIA TAKES LEAD ON COUNCIL ‘SWEAT TAXES’

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