Council throws lifeline to sports groups

Sporting groups which may have difficulties meeting an increase in leasing fees have been thrown a lifeline, with Bunbury City Council endorsing an appeals process.

A new Leases and Licences Policy was adopted by the council earlier this year, resulting in both increases and decreases for sporting and community groups across the city.

The revised model, which works off a scale measured against the size of the land leased, received mixed reactions from groups.

Mayor Gary Brennan said the new Lease and Licence Fee Appeals policy allowed groups which may be having financial difficulties to meet with staff to discuss options.

“It’s no different to a ratepayer who has difficulty paying their rates over an annual basis,” Mr Brennan said.

“We are endeavouring always to assist our organisations and clubs with the way they operate, so we’ve now got a process in place.”