RURAL City of Wangaratta has challenged the view that fees charged to use its Wangaratta Sports Development Centre are excessive.
Felix Gamze, Wangaratta Magpies Football Netball Club vice president, made the claim last week in relation to charges he said were quoted by council for the club to use football and netball changerooms in the facility at their home ground, the Norm Minns Oval.
The Magpies chose to use only the netball rooms during their hometown clash with Wangaratta Rovers on Sunday, with the Hawks footballers using the Magpies' visitors' rooms rather than the building constructed as part of a multi-million dollar upgrade to the Showgrounds.
Mr Gamze said the club would seek to meet again with council to reinforce its view the charge was too high.
But Ruth Tai, rural city director community wellbeing, said the fees were based on those used at the HP Barr Community Centre, which were accepted by many user groups as fair.
Ms Tai said there had been a misunderstanding over the fee quoted for use of the netball rooms, which could be applied with a lower seasonal rate, as the netballers unlike the footballers had no alternative facility.
The footballers would be charged as casual community users, as they have their own visitors' rooms to offer to opposition clubs.
"We advised the Magpies we could only quote them a casual community fee, but because the netballers are seasonal users, it will be a different amount," Ms Tai said.
"Once we have their hours of usage, we will be able to give them a definite amount.
"We haven't yet provided them with a fee, we are waiting for them to provide those hours.
"We have asked and have been asking for clarification of that so we could provide them with a more definite amount."
Mr Gamze said these details were requested during a meeting with council last Wednesday, and after consultation with the club's netballers on Thursday night, it was decided the facility would be used not for training, but on game days at home.
However, he said the Magpies had tried several times on Friday to reach the contact person provided by council, to offer these details, but they received no response to their calls.
"We've all got jobs, and haven't been able to pass on that information since then," Mr Gamze said on Tuesday.
He said the Magpies were committed to the cost charged for Sunday's use, they will be back in contact with council and will also discuss the charges at board level for future use.
By - SIMONE KERWIN.
www.nenews.com.au
Last Modified on 16/05/2012 20:35
