Public backlash may keep Darwin pool fees hike at bay
PLANS to increase entry fees at Darwin council pools could be scrapped, or altered, because of community backlash
Northern Territory
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PLANS to increase entry fees at Darwin council pools could be scrapped, or altered, because of community backlash.
The proposed 25 per cent increase would boost the single entry fee by $1 and multi passes by nearly $100, while swimming clubs say their annual bills would climb by tens of thousands of dollars.
But Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said council would listen to the community in monitoring pool fees, after the fee increase was advertised as part of the council’s 2020-21 budget and municipal plan.
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It would be the first time fees had increased since 2013.
“The final say… about the budget rests with council, not the YMCA,” he said.
“The process we have always followed since council has existed is that budget is proposed, the budget is presented to the public for a month and the public has a chance to come back and give feedback.
“Then the budget goes back to council in early July and is adopted.”
Mr Vatskalis said feedback was being considered.
“I met with lifesaving and with the clubs, we had a really good discussion and I asked them to present their cases and I asked my office to compile all the cases and find out what kind of increase would be (appropriate) for their cases,” he said.
“We have had a month where people can come back to us and I’m very pleased we have met with the clubs.
“We will find a solution.”
Mr Vatskalis said providing accessible infrastructure to ratepayers and their children, particularly in the tropics, was an important role of council.
“I do not want to see non- profit sport organisations go under,” he said.
“I’m always supportive of youth clubs, that’s the reason we’re putting lights in the parks, so kids can play after hours when it’s cool.
“That’s why I’m supporting sports clubs.”
However, he said council couldn’t simply forfeit revenue or other council services would fall to the wayside.
“I’m going to find a way we can maintain a pool in the normal standards, how we maintain fees and charges, at the same time if we can help the clubs that are not for profit, sporting clubs that are different to the average consumer,” Mr Vatskalis said.
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“Council has got a finite amount of money we have to juggle with. I’m not prepared to cut the Fun Bus to subsidise something else.”
Final changes to pool entry and hire fees will be considered at the July 7 council meeting.
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Originally published as Public backlash may keep Darwin pool fees hike at bay