Cancellation gets fitness group worked up

At the December 10 council meeting, a group of participants from the Fit Forever came dressed in gym clothes to draw attention to their concerns about the program’s discontinuation.

The program has become an integral part of the social lives of many of its attendees.

Lynda Turner, who has been part of the group for about 25 years, was one of several members to use public question time to ask about the program’s discontinuation.

She questioned the lack of consultation prior to the council’s decision.

“Why did council fail to engage with the patrons of the facility before making a decision that will severely impact on health and wellbeing outcomes of Surf Coast community members?”

Shire mayor Rose Hodge responded by saying the council would be looking to engage the group during the transition.

“We’ll definitely come down and work with you to make sure that there is a transition area into another program and another service.”

With the council having received various submissions for the group for public question time, Cr Hodge read out a statement the council had prepared to help answer many of the questions.

Cr Hodge said that the council was aiming for the program to continue, albeit with a different provider.

“I want to be clear the ideal scenario that we’re working towards is for a fitness program to continue in the sport and rec centre. We believe they can be provided by others rather than council and we’re already in discussion with potential new providers.”

She also stated that the council’s rationale to stop running their program themselves

“We’re looking to become a ‘facility manager’ rather than a ‘program provider’.

“Council is having to make some difficult decisions to change the services it provides. The introduction of rate capping means that council has to manage their finances differently to the past. Council is reviewing all of its services.”

She also stated council is committed to ensuring there would be a provider to take over, and said the group members had made the importance of the program clear.

“We’ve certainly seen the high value that you put on this service.”

Several of the members of the Fit Forever group still proceeded to ask their questions.