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Volume 4, Thursday December 11h, 2008
Residents outraged By Zak Zeptner Roxby residents are angered at having to compete with out of town bookings and private functions at the auditorium and swimming pool. Several respected community members have voiced their concerns to The Monitor, outraged at the lack of availability of public facilities. “It’s ridiculous we have to compete with book and shoe shops from out of town. It’s supposed to be for community use and out-of-towners get it before us,” said an infuriated community member. The concerns raised not only extend to out-of-town people using community facilities but also to the alleged astronomical prices being charge for use of these amenities. “You shouldn’t charge per chair and per table to hire the auditorium; there should be a token cover for the community. It shouldn’t be trying to make money off the community; there shouldn’t be separate charges for everything,” commented another Roxby resident. According to this resident, the cost to hire the auditorium is extensive; not only must people book the hall but separate charges exist for the use of chairs, microphones, lighting and the hiring of staff to supervise the event. “The chances of getting it for a start are limited because other people from out-of-town get it and when we do get it, the cost of hiring it is ridiculous.” The Leisure and Cultural Facilities issued a statement to The Monitor in response to these comments. “Under the Trade Practices Act the Centre cannot discriminate against outside traders by denying the opportunity for some retail to occur but naturally this is not the prime focus of this space. “We have various polices in place to ensure equity for community access with the rates charged to local community groups not on a strict commercial basis. In the case of
genuine hardship, fees can be and are often reduced by application.” According to the statement, the Leisure and Cultural Facility is a wholly owned Council facility in which all revenue derived is put towards reducing the cost to ratepayers and improving services to the wider community. In the last 12 months, only five percent of bookings in the Leisure Centre were from outside users and 18 percent in the Cultural Centre, though these included State and Federal Government agencies. Unfortunately, local performance writer/director Sheila Culf feels differently to this declaration and is outraged at the difficulty of obtaining the auditorium, which is the only venue in town with a suitable stage and lighting. “It should be made much more available for the purpose of local performances and less available for making money out of people selling things from in there,” said Mrs Culf. “I’m angry, I think it’s wrong. I know it isn’t specifically a community hall but it’s the nearest thing we’ve got to one and it just seems to me to be used as a money making venue.” Spokesperson for the Leisure and Cultural Facilities Alan Male responded with the following. “Given the huge diversity of services delivered, access to space is severely limited. It is often very difficult to provide large blocks of time for rehearsal space, given the demand, but provided that adequate booking notice can be provided, the ability to access the facility for the actual performances is usually possible.” Unfortunately, Mrs Culf is not satisfied with such a statement. “There are plenty of sporting venues around town - two gyms, tennis courts - but no specific performance venue, which makes it very difficult to put on a performance. It’s an amazing feat when we do manage to put on a performance because we don’t have a proper venue to set up,” she said. Another Roxby resident has raised
concerns over the use of the swimming pool, with particular concern over it being closed to the public for private functions. “It’s a public facility but it’s being used more like a private business with no consideration to local rate payers who use it,” said this community member. The Leisure Centre, however, defended this claim, stating it is not operated as a private business but does try and run on professional and commercial lines. “Whilst this will invariably deny some that wish to have a swim, the revenue derived is invaluable as the Council has tight budgets. Importantly, this revenue allows for additional services such as five early morning lap swimming sessions per week; this service is heavily subsidized. “We are fortune that the facility is extremely attractive and that a number of local businesses and community groups wish to conduct various functions.” The Leisure Centre furthered its statement but adding all the private functions in the pool over the past weeks were for local businesses, community groups and residents who were able to “enjoy the community’s facilities as is their expectation as rate payers.” Unfortunately, with only one swimming pool and auditorium in town the issues of adequate space and availability to the public will continue until expansions occur or new facilities are created. “In the future, this and many other access and facility issues are being addressed, as is generally increasing the scope and variety of services,” commented Mr Male The Leisure and Cultural Centres have stated: “From time to time residents can, as a matter of course, raise issues and concerns direct in person or by letter to the Centre and an appropriate response will be provided.”
Merry Christmas Santa made his special appearance at last Saturday’s Christmas Pageant, sending smiles of delight across the faces of people young and old. Santa was the finale to the parade that saw countless local floats on display, delivering lollies to the swarms of eager children.
MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 10
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