North Sydney moots public space feesblocking off parking spaces.
North Sydney Council wants to charge fitness trainers, dog walkers and private educational institutions to use public open spaces, including parks.
The fee would also apply to any groups needing private space or with over 21 participants.
North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker said that North Sydney was densely populated and that its limited public open space was in demand.
“The proposed policy is about ensuring fair and equitable access to our parks and foreshore reserves for all users,” said Mayor Baker. “We are considering a fee for those who are running businesses in council parks such as weddings and private events, commercial picnics, personal trainers and bootcamps.”
Groups would need to apply for permission before using public space, and comply with conditions such as size caps, public liability insurance requirements and behaviour standards. Fees collected would be used to maintain the space.
Council has had complaints about personal trainers, dog walkers, and groups ‘hogging’ the open space, tying ropes to trees for resistance exercises, monopolising pathways and stairs or blocking off parking spaces.
Council has unsuccessfully invited private schools to voluntarily pay rates as many use local parks for school activities. Schools are exempt from rates under state legislation. If private schools were rated as businesses, council would receive over $1 million, it said.
A Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) spokesperson said it was ‘mindful of its responsibility to the communities in which its schools operate and remains committed to working with the council and local businesses to share school resources and contribute to the North Sydney community.’
SCS said it already contributed financially to the North Sydney community, including $1.2 million in development levies from 2022 to 2023 for infrastructure upgrades, which included parks and reserves. SCS said it had also paid a $197,0000 tree bond and $67,017 in park hire fees for student sports activities.
“Non-government schools in receipt of government financial assistance are prohibited from making any payments for which there is no legal liability to pay, or which are not required for the operation of the school,” the spokesperson said.
Mosman and Willoughby councils charge fees for commercial activities in open space.
Comment on the changes via the North Sydney Council website by 6 October.