The use, availability and long-term sustainability of many of Gosford City Council’s sport, recreational and other community facilities is set to improve under its recently adopted Community Leasing T Policy.
Council’s chief executive officer, Mr Paul Anderson said the new policy provides a modern and consistent approach to leasing Council-owned facilities across Gosford City.
“We’ve revamped our previous policy to make sure the use of community buildings is fairer, equitable and transparent,” Mr Anderson said. “Importantly, there will be less exclusive use of buildings, which means that over time, more and more community facilities will become available for use by other community groups and residents.
“Plus, the new leasing policy sets out a consistent process for granting and renewing leases for our facilities across the whole city. “It delivers greater clarity by identifying the roles and responsibilities for both Council and the lessees. “At the end of the day, we want to support all community groups in Gosford as much as possible and give everyone the chance to benefit from our community assets,” he said.
Council’s new community leasing policy will take effect for all new and renewed leases. “There is a lot of demand for our community facilities and buildings,” Mr Anderson said. “Our new policy will ensure everyone acknowledges that community assets are for all to benefit from and that any leases need to deliver these benefits.
“While we understand that change like this can be a concern, it’s important that residents recognise the new leasing policy will maximise the use of Council-owned facilities and deliver real value for the lessees and wider Gosford community.” The Community Leasing Policy does not apply to commercial leasing arrangements with Council.
Media release,
26 May 2015 Gosford council media