Leisure Centre fights copyright increases
The Peninsula Leisure Centre has asked Gosford Council for financial support to fight increases to copyright charges in the fitness industry.
The increase could see the centre's fees rise from $2500 a year to $45,000 a year.
The leisure centre has told Council that the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) had applied to the Copyright Tribunal of Australia to increase the fees paid by health clubs for the right to play music during group fitness classes.
In a report to Council, the leisure centre stated that there were two bodies collecting tariffs for the public playing of music, with the PPCA representing the performers of music and the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) representing the songwriters.
It stated that both groups collect money from places playing and performing music which included health clubs, aerobics classes, cafes, registered clubs, hotels and any public performance facility.
The report stated that the increase would have a "substantial affect on operational performance and the industry".
It stated that this would not only affect the Woy Woy centre and Gosford Olympic Pool, but other council and Gosford area public facilities.
Fitness Australia, the regulatory body for the health and fitness industry, was fighting the proposed increases and had established a task force called "Operation Music" to represent the industry.
The group was looking for financial support from gyms, health clubs and organisations.
The report to council stated that if the application was successful to the Copyright Tribunal by the PPCA it was "very likely" that APRA would also make application to increase its fees in line with the agreement.
It stated: "If the PPCA and APRA are successful we will have to reassess the pricing of our memberships and classes to cover the increased cost".
"A further option would be to reduce the services we offer that are affected by the tariffs.
"Council's obligation is only this initial contribution.
"Further contributions will be reviewed as needed."
The leisure centre said the funding could be absorbed by the existing PLC and Gosford Olympic Pool budget.
Council agenda CIT.34, 6 Nov 2007