As part of our Long Term Plan 2024 - 2034, we want to change the way we fund community facilities – What do you think?

CLOSED: Consultation has concluded. Please see key dates within the timeline for next steps.

The current picture 

The cost of building and running indoor community facilities, such as sports centres, has increased, and the current funding approach needs a rethink. There are several projects waiting for potential Council funding but, while we have clear direction on some facilities, we don’t on others.

There are clear rules around how we support community halls, libraries, swimming pools and club-based facilities on sportsgrounds. But in smaller communities where there are no facilities, and for some types of groups/clubs, Council’s role is less clear. 

The changing landscape 

We are looking to provide more structure to enable us to leverage funding from external parties. Currently, we decide on funding on a case-by-case basis. But this way, we might miss out on opportunities and only help the groups who ask first. It can also make things unfair across our District. 

In the past two years, we've put about $350,000 towards community facilities. We also provide 11 facilities with lease agreements at less than the market rate.

Framing the future 

To make sure community facilities have enough money to be built and taken care of, we need a good plan for funding. When community groups receive Council funding towards their facilities, it makes it easier for them to access additional funding from other sources.

We want to know what you think about a fixed fee per property to help fund these projects – which would start from Year Two (2025/26). We would use Year One (2024/25) to come back to you to help develop the fund criteria, including the types of projects supported, so we can make fair decisions about funding facilities for everyone to enjoy.