Prices set for Leisure Centre

Gosford Council has resolved to maintain the current fee structure for child, concession and adults at the Peninsula Leisure Centre.

Council also agreed to extend the charged child age classification from five to 16 years to five to 18 years of age inclusive.

Council, at its meeting of September 3, considered a Notice of Motion by Cr Hillary Morris regarding Student Admission at Peninsula Leisure Centre and Gosford Olympic Pool.

Council resolved that a report on the costs of creating an admission charge for any person holding a valid full time student card, with a view of including any new fee in the revenue policy for the 2014-15 financial year be prepared.

Council resumed management of Peninsula Leisure Centre in 2001 and, during this period the fees and charges available to patrons for entries, memberships or multi passes have been free for a child aged zero to four with an adult swimming, $3.50 for a child aged five to 16, $6.20 for an adult, $4.30 for concession, $18.60 for an adult gym visit and $16.80 for a concession gym visit.

According to the report to council by director economic and community development Ms Colleen Worthy-Jennings, the issue regarding student access to the Peninsula leisure Centre had been reviewed by management on numerous occasions historically.

"Due to the criteria in obtaining a student card for adults, example being student concession cards can be obtained whilst working full time, concession rates are only offered those under 17, pension concessions and holders of Australian Seniors cards," states the report.

"In addition, the criterion of what would be accepted as a suitable student concession card is extremely difficult to quantify.

"This then has the potential for conflict between patrons and reception staff where there may be disparity and misunderstanding in regards to validity of certain student cards.

"Changes within the NSW school system now require students to undertake Years 11 and 12 unless a fulltime trade apprenticeship or employment is gained.

"Therefore it is considered that the majority of students are leaving school at the age of 18.

"In consideration of this, council should increase its charged child fee classification from ages five to 18 years of age inclusive and in the fees and charges to be advertised in 2014, the ages should be changed to reflect this," states Ms Worthy-Jennings' report.

Gosford Council Agenda ECO.43, 17 Dec 2013