Local sporting clubs, including cricket, soccer, football and little athletics, are planning to meet at the Kettering Club on July 27 to consider Kingborough Council’s new policy to charge clubs, on an hourly basis, for the use of sporting grounds in the municipality.

A workshop has been organised among local sporting club members to find common ground and a workable solution to put to Council as an alternative.
The Kingborough Council met with the workshop organiser, Kaspar Deane, and Channel and Huon Channel Cricket Association’s Brooke Lovell last week.
The pair said a nominal seasonal fee on a sliding scale, based on the size of each club, would be more reasonable than an hourly rate.
“The vast majority of clubs are united,” said Kaspar.
“Because it’s an hourly rate, some clubs will have to consider cutting back their time, which means less-active kids.
“The issue for us is the fact it’s an hourly rate.”
Kaspar and Brooke said feedback from clubs was there had been a lack of consultation and “we’re all concerned” that numerous clubs will not be able to cope with the imposed hourly fee policy.
“We’re coming together to find some middle ground”
“We’re happy to work with Council.”
“We’ve got clubs here that are just junior clubs.
“The cost is a big issue for young families.
“If you lose a few players, you lose a team.
“As clubs, we’re volunteer run.
“We want to get kids and adults active.
“There’s a social side too.
“Physical health and mental health have never been more important.”
The pair said there were concerns that Council’s proposed hourly fee policy would also be a disincentive for expansion plans for clubs, such as those encouraging women’s teams.