On 22 June 2026, Council resolved to endorse public exhibition of updates to 2026/27 Fees and Charges relating to Recreation Facilities and Programs. These include:
i. New fees enabling seasonal pickleball court hire
ii. Amended fees relating to the re-grading of various sporting fields
iii. Addition of fees for the new Robin Thomas Reserve Meeting Room.
Background
The new charges are proposed following recent, or soon to be completed improvements to the sports grounds and facilities listed in the exhibition. These improvements were identified and actioned as part of the adopted Sportsground Strategy and Action Plan. The upgrades have prompted regrading of facilities within the 2026/27 fee schedule.
Proposed new fees
i. New fees enabling seasonal pickleball court hire (excluding tennis courts)
Council is proposing to introduce seasonal hire. The price will be supplied on application and approval. Please note, this opportunity does not extend to pickleball courts that are located in the Council managed tennis courts portfolio.
ii. Amended fees relating to the regrading of various sports fields
Council is proposing to regrade various sporting fields as follows:
| Ground | Current Grade | Proposed Regrade | When will it take effect? | What happens between July 1 2026 and introduction of new fees? |
| Doyle Ground | B Grade | A Grade | Mid - late 2027 | Field closed. Proposed fee update may be rolled over into FY28 depending on the date of re-opening. |
| John Curtin Reserve | C Grade | B Grade | Mid - late 2027 | Field closed. The proposed fee update will come into effect on completion of upgrades. |
| Max Ruddock Reserve | C Grade | B Grade | Early - mid 2027 | Field is open. The proposed fee update will come into effect on completion of upgrades to the pavilion. |
| Robin Thomas Reserve | C Grade | B Grade | Mid - late 2026 | Field open and building works complete. Current season has not been affected. Proposed fee update will come into effect for the summer allocation. |
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To compare the fees as they apply to different grades and allocations under the adopted
Fees and Charges 2026/27 click here and refer to the section
11.6 SPORTING FIELDS, PARKS & RESERVES.
iii. Addition of fees for the new Robin Thomas Reserve Meeting Room
Council is proposing to include Robin Thomas Reserve Meeting Room in Group 1.
To compare fees as they apply to different groups under the adopted
Fees and Charges 2026/27 click here and refer to the section
11.3 MEETING ROOMS HIRE.
Public exhibition - Now closed
Submissions were welcome until 5pm on Wednesday 30 September 2026.
Thank you to everyone that had their say.
Next steps
A report is now being prepared and will be presented to a future Council Meeting incorporating any public comment. To stay updated on this project, please follow this page.
Who can I contact for further information?
You can call Council on 02 9806 5050 during business hours (Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm) and ask to speak with the Manager, Recreation.
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