ANGLESEA residents are up in arms about the Surf Coast Shire\u2019s proposed hike in fees and charges that could have an impact on users of the Anglesea Community Hall.<\/p>\n
Anglesea local Patrick Flanagan said he is dismayed at the increased fees and charges in the current Surf Coast Shire budget.<\/p>\n
\u201cI play table tennis with a group of older players in the hall three times a week,\u201d Mr Flanagan said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the introduction of the State Government\u2019s Fair Go Rates system \u2013 also known as rate capping \u2013 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,\u201d Cr Hodge said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the case of community halls, council recently conducted a review of current fees and usage.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis included a full review of costs associated with managing the facilities as well as benchmarking with similar facilities elsewhere.<\/p>\n
\u201cOfficers 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Flanagan said the Anglesea and Aireys Inlet halls are also used by a local physio for seniors\u2019 exercise classes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also have a local GP who runs a concert program at Anglesea known as the Sound Doctor.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ANGLESEA residents are up in arms about the Surf Coast Shire\u2019s 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. \u201cI play table tennis with […]<\/p>\n