In August, council considered a report regarding commercial/personal fitness trainers using public reserves. 

In March, councillors agreed to seek the public’s feedback on the draft policy for the use of public reserves for commercial fitness activities and personal training.

A total of 26 submissions were received.

Five submissions were from fitness industry stakeholders, two from the general public, and the remaining 19 from fitness industry participants.

Last month, a Gerringong fitness trainer expressed concerns they were being ‘‘punished’’ for promoting fitness and healthy lifestyle by the new fees. 

Gerringong personal trainer Joel Roberts often uses South Werri Reserve four days a week for an afternoon class. 

He told the Kiama Independent he was frustrated with the then proposed policy. 

‘‘They are looking at charging up to $2400 per annum to use a designated public reserve. 

‘‘This is not including the $200 initial permit fee they want to charge. 

‘‘It’s frustrating, because all my (personal trainer) mates in other (local government) areas are paying so much less... And we’re only a small community.

‘‘I don’t mind paying a fee; we’re making money off public reserves.

‘‘We’ve also got Fitness Australia registration, our own insurance, we’ve got to update our equipment every year, we’ve got to continue to learn and do courses every two years.’’

At Tuesday night’s  meeting, councillors adopted the new policy.

Council incorporated a series of changes as a result of concerns.

According to council’s report, the main issues arising from public exhibition of the draft policy included fees being too high, no class size limitations, permitted hours of operation being restrictive and variable class sizes (participant numbers) requiring a flexible fee structure.

Council’s report indicated that parts of the draft policy were amended following consideration of the issues raised in submissions.

These included the reserve area around the Kiama Downs Surf Club building being added as a permitted location to undertake commercial fitness training activities.

Also, the the permitted hours of operation have been amended to allow for a completion time of 7pm EST (previously 6pm) and 8.30pm

DST (previously 8pm) Monday-Saturday. 

‘‘This change will provide for improved accessibility by participants having regards to work commitments,’’ council’s report stated.

Also, the allowable maximum class sizes has been increased from 20 to 30 participants at South Werri Reserve, Coronation Park and Chittick Oval. 

Permits and flexibility regarding variable class sizes/payment of fees has been considered, the policy now including provision for seasonal factors.

An expression of interest process will take place for commercial and personal fitness trainers to seek permits to operate on public reserves.

Mayor Brian Petschler said the policy was also adopted with the proviso that council can adjust it as needed.

‘‘I think it’s a good result, in that the policy as currently endorsed took account of quite a number of the suggestions that came out of the submissions,’’ he said.