F.C.A.T.A. – Update 5th May 2011

Headline: “F.C.A.T.A. Update:” Title: “Council agrees to Pensioner Discounts…” Post Date: 5th May 2011 … Article by: FCATA-Web-Master ___________________________

The good News delivered this week was very welcome. In case you had not heard – and I heard it from a Media call asking for a comment on the news – but on the 27th Apr the FCRC made a decision to grant Season Ticket discounts at the Hervey Bay Pool. The decision also called for negotiations to be entered into with the Maryborough Swimming Club (MSC) for similar discounts – MSC manage the Maryborough Pool. The full FCRC Minute of the decision is posted below: ITEM NO: ORD 11.13 FRASER COAST REGIONAL COUNCIL ORDINARY MEETING NO. 7 WEDNESDAY 27 APRIL, 2011SUBJECT: FEES AT THE HERVEY BAY AQUATICCENTRE DIRECTORATE: COMMUNITY & DEVELOPMENT RESPONSIBLE OFFICER: ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, Lisa Desmond AUTHOR: ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, Lisa Desmond DOC NO: #2021222 LINK TO CORPORATE / OPERATIONAL PLAN: 1. PURPOSE The purpose of this report is Council approval for the introduction of a Pensioner Concession Season Pass at the Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre. 2. BACKGROUND & PREVIOUS COUNCIL CONSIDERATION Council considered a report on the provision of pensioner concessions in August 2010 following an enquiry regarding Council’s position on concessions for pensioners, especially season tickets for disability pensioners. The current fees and charges provide for a $1.85 (Adult Entry Fee $3.70) for a Holder of a Disability Pension Card or Health Care Card which required a letter from a Medical Doctor certifying that aquatic activity is a requirement of rehabilitation. In addition Season Passes are offered Half Yearly (Adult) – $164; All Year (Adult) – $293.00 A comparison with other nearby Councils Fees and Charges identified that there was no consistency in the setting of fees and charges and those that apply a discount also only on single admissions. The opening period affects the cost of a season ticket and those that do provide a season ticket do not provide a discounted ticket.  3. PROPOSAL That Council introduces a Pension Concession Seasonal Pass for Seniors & Commonwealth Pension Card (blue) and Disability Pension Card holders at the Hervey Bay Aquatic Facility as follows: 27 APRIL 2011 Season Passes 1. Half Yearly (Pension) – $115 (Summer 1 Oct – 31 Mar/Winter 1 Apr – 30 September) 2. All Year (Adult) – $211 (1 October onwards) That Council has discussions with the Maryborough Swimming Club about proposed fees for 2011/12 to include a Pension Concession Seasonal Pass. 4. FINANCIAL & RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS The introduction of the season pass is expected to have minimal impact on revenue. 5. CONSULTATIONExecutive Manager – Community & Culture Councillors 6. CONCLUSION That Council introduces a Pension Concession Seasonal Pass at the Hervey Bay Aquatic Facility and undertakes discussions with the Maryborough Swimming Club about proposed fees for the 2011/12 year to include a Pension Concession Seasonal Pass at the Maryborough Aquatic Facility. 7. OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION That Council: 1. Introduce a Pension Concession Seasonal Pass for Seniors & Commonwealth Pension Card (blue) and Disability Pension Card holders at the Hervey Bay Aquatic Facility as follows: Half Yearly (Pension) – $115 (Summer 1 Oct – 31 Mar/Winter 1 Apr – 30 September) All Year (Adult) – $211 (1 October onwards) 2. Discusses with the Maryborough Swimming Club about proposed fees for the 2011/12 year to include a Pension Concession Seasonal Pass at the Maryborough Aquatic Facility. ATTACHMENTS: NIL Itried to contact the new CEO – Ms Desmond – her CEO appointment was confirmed last week – and with my previous calls since March having gone un-returned – I was not holding out much hope of an early return call.  To my surprise MS Desmond called an hour or so later and I gotta tell you – the tone and conviction in the conversation during that call gave me renewed hope that there are public servants out there who understand civic duty. It was a delight to hear positive belief and to feel there was support for what this program is trying to achieve. The conversation lasted 20 min or so – and Ms Desmond gave an undertaking that the discount offered via the Council minute above – will be bettered when the Council considers a new proposal from the FCATA for Tier 2’s and 3’s to access the pool between 7:30-9:00am Mon-Fri. The understanding was that this would be for Members of the FCATA and who were independent and did not need transport or supervision whilst attending the pool. This was a wonderous concession and made light of what the Mayor and his team had been posturing over for the last 9 months. It gave me the feeling that a new breath of fresh air just swept through the Council chambers. I would go so far as to say – that Ms Desmond has her own agenda and is prepared to lead – hopefully – Bevis Butthead and his group get out of her way. Ms Desmond has asked for a new proposal outlining the FCATA agenda for the Tier 2s and Tier 3s and their access to the pool and beyond. That proposal will be sent within the next few days and I would expect discussions within a few weeks. Further posts on the proposal and discussions will be made here.