Fee hike concerns Anglesea user groups

Residents are concerned that proposed increases in council hall fees will adversely affect user groups, including the Sound Doctor, which books renowned musicians to play live shows at the hall.

ANGLESEA residents are up in arms about the Surf Coast Shire’s proposed hike in fees and charges that could have an impact on users of the Anglesea Community Hall.

Anglesea local Patrick Flanagan said he is dismayed at the increased fees and charges in the current Surf Coast Shire budget.

“I play table tennis with a group of older players in the hall three times a week,” Mr Flanagan said.

“We have been told the fee to hire the hall is to increase by 30 per cent, which is a price hike from $10.50 to $13 per hour, which is also on the back of a 25 per cent increase two years ago.”

Surf Coast mayor Rose Hodge said that council has informed relevant groups about proposed increases to user service fees as part of the 2019-20 Draft Budget.

“With the introduction of the State Government’s Fair Go Rates system – also known as rate capping – in 2016, council has been forced to look at how it raises revenue from user fees to recover the cost of providing its many services,” Cr Hodge said.

“In the case of community halls, council recently conducted a review of current fees and usage.

“This included a full review of costs associated with managing the facilities as well as benchmarking with similar facilities elsewhere.

“Officers are also working on several recommendations from the service review to make our management of the halls more efficient, such as an online booking system.

“We know that proposed changes to fees will impact on users, so I am urging residents and user groups to please provide feedback on the Draft Budget before submissions close on Monday 27 May at 12pm.”

Mr Flanagan said the Anglesea and Aireys Inlet halls are also used by a local physio for seniors’ exercise classes.

“This service is an excellent innovation to improve the health and wellbeing of older members of the community and it has been reported to me that the cost of hiring the hall is to almost double.

“We also have a local GP who runs a concert program at Anglesea known as the Sound Doctor.

“This is also an invaluable initiative that contributes to community wellbeing and community spirit and I presume he will also have to deal with a large fee increase.”