Sport and rec camp may be leased
Plans by the Baird Government to lease Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Camp have been uncovered after documents were leaked from the Office of Sport.
Broken Bay is one of nine Sport and Recreation camps that have been identified for privatisation to generate a $1 million profit to the government, according to the Member for Gosford, Ms Kathy Smith.
"The hardest hit will be the least profitable Sport and Recreation camps in regional areas that cater mainly for children from those regions," Ms Smith said.
"These local sport and recreation camps cater to remote and rural communities and are currently cross-subsidised by the highly profitable camps such as the Sydney Academy at Narrabeen and Lake Ainsworth," she said.
"Regional camps will suffer without the cross subsidy they currently receive from the more profitable camps leaving local communities to feel the impact.
"It cost under $14 per child to operate these camps, yet the Baird Government is happy to abandon the bush.
"The Sport and Recreation Camp at Broken Bay is as important to kids here in the regions as those attended by city kids, if not more," she said.
Minister for Sport Mr Stuart Ayres said: "Sport and Recreation centres are vital community assets and the NSW Government will ensure they remain open and available for all community members.
"Market testing is under way to investigate how services at the centres can be improved for school, sporting and community groups and how we can modernise activities, facilities and increase utilisation," Mr Ayres said.
Media release, 8 Nov 2016
Kathy Smith, Member for Gosford
Media statement, 9 Nov 2016
Anna Hindson, Office of Stuart Ayres