Community groups win big with venue fees slashed across the Region
Published on 26 May 2017
Community Groups are the biggest winners out of Council’s decision to slash costs across a range of public venues in the Region in a bid to encourage and attract more community events.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said Council has recently introduced the Public Events Policy for the next two financial years which enables eligible public events held in certain Council owned locations to be exempt from venue hire fees.
“I am pleased to announce that we have cut fees by 50% at the Rockhampton Showgrounds which is a significant reduction for our Region’s premier venue and a fantastic opportunity for not for profit community groups to take advantage of,” Mayor Strelow said.
Other locations where Council has wiped fees includes the James Lawrence Pavilion at the Rockhampton Showgrounds, the Calliungal Youth Centre at Mount Morgan (the Green Shed) and the Gracemere Community Centre.
“Community groups are the social fabric of our Region and Council is committed to supporting them which in turn helps support our community,” she said.
“All of these spaces can be used for events such as festivals and celebrations that allow us to promote our Region and also bring new economic opportunities to our Region.”
General Manager of Community Services Michael Rowe said the policy should assist all not for profit organisations to use most, if not all, Council parks, roads and built facilities and halls at no cost whatsoever.
“The concept behind it is to give the facilities back to the community to enable those that own the community to actively participate in their own facilities.” Mr Rowe said.
“It is to be hoped that the community will embrace this and we will see not only more events but much more participation at these events.”
Other wins for the public include a decrease in general entry rates at the Heritage Village for more than two children over the age of three by $3.50 and venue hire for Saint Peter’s Church decreased by $100. Council has also kept entry fees to public pools at just $2.
Event organisers are encouraged to get in contact with Council to find out how they can be eligible to make the most of free venue hire at these public spaces.