26-02-2025
During the inaugural ordinary meeting of 2025, Mayor Paul Culhane presented a notice of rescission regarding the Council’s decision around line marking at the Crookwell Sporting Fields, a topic discussed in the meeting on 21 November 2024.
Mayor Culhane emphasised the Council’s critical role in providing diverse recreational and sporting facilities in collaboration with local clubs, stating, “This service is vital for promoting healthy and active lifestyles within our community.”
He further explained, “The purpose of my motion is to encourage all councillors to support the review process of our service levels, which arose from our decision to forgo the Special Rate Variation. The potential funds generated by this charge would likely be insignificant with a broader cost review already in train. After extensive deliberations in several sessions, it has become apparent that our previous decision did not accurately reflect our collective insights. We intended to lower service levels rather than impose increased fees to avoid declining sports participation.”
The Mayor also highlighted the current challenges facing community sports organisations: “Following discussions and input from local sports clubs, it is evident that this is not the right time to implement a service fee or require sports club volunteers to take on line marking duties after the Council’s initial application. Considering the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the notable shortage of volunteers, these organisations are under significant pressure. Our goal is to ensure families can continue engaging in sports activities.”
During the meeting, Councillor Searl underscored the importance of community engagement, while Councillors Meggitt and Deputy Cameron expressed their support for the rescission motion. The Council’s operational team actively assesses budgetary and operational efficiencies, particularly concerning sports fields and public open spaces.
Council CEO Waldron reiterated, “This is a decision for the councillors however it is crucial to understand that this will have financial implications and affect task prioritisation within the Parks and Gardens team.”
Council advises that the line marking topic will likely be reconsidered at a future meet to resolve the matter.