Sport allocations and fees policy draft endorsed, open for feedback

Published on 25 March 2026

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A draft policy on how Council allocates and charges for sport and recreation facilities is open for community engagement. 

Council endorsed the draft Sport and Recreation Allocations, Fees and Charges Policy to go our for community consultation at its 24 March meeting. Clubs and groups can have their say until 22 April. 

The policy is an important way for Council to improve equity, transparency and consistency in how Council allocates and charges for sport and recreation facilities. The policy applies to clubs that are allocated facilities seasonally, as well as casual users such as schools.   

The draft policy has been developed following engagement with a sport and recreation advisory group, with representatives from local sport clubs providing insights from their experiences. 

Representatives from eight sports clubs were appointed to ensure diversity across sports, committee roles, gender, and experience. The group had three workshops to help shape the draft policy, and allowed Council to test and refine its key components. 

The policy was last reviewed in 1997. The updated version makes important changes, including:

  • how to book facilities 

  • how sportsgrounds and pavilions are categorised 

  • how fees are applied 

  • how decisions are made when multiple clubs or groups request the same facility. 

The changes aim to improve participation in sport and recreation across Hobsons Bay. Feedback from the community consultation will help ensure the policy supports local clubs, encourages fair access, and reflects the needs of the community. 

Key stakeholders, including sport clubs and groups that book Council facilities for sport and recreation, can have their say at participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au