Double Standards on Parks
The City of Yarra wants to charge personal trainers around $40 an hour to use our parks. Meanwhile, people are welcome to park two tonnes of steel all day in the Yarra Park for a peppercorn fee of $8. In terms of damage to the grounds, exclusion of other uses, maintenance, visual amenity and public safety there's no doubt that half a dozen people in a circle flailing their arms and legs around has far less impact. The Council says it's going after the trainers because they're running a business aimed at getting people fit. But if your business is to get people to scoff pies while watching others exercise, it seems you enjoy steeply discounted mates' rates. If we're going down this path, let's have some fairness and transparency in the Council's cost-recovery model.
| Vent! | ↑ |
2 Comments:
Gday,
I have enjoyed your blog a lot.
In Melbourne we are lucky to have parks which are traditionally clean, green and natural, but in some other cities, a new business model has emerged -- public parks being invaded by opportunistic private and corporate business : for example fitness instructors, portable dog grooming services, circuses, mini-rollercoasters, gelati suppliers, hot dog stands, motorbike racing, motorcar racing, and other businesses. Why is this still allowed?
In search of a quiet refuge from the city, how many of us have been annoyed by motivational speakers with megaphones, advertising banners, corporate flyers, tents and marquees. If allowed to continue unregulated, this trend would surely increase.
Apparently, the City Government thinks it is unfair that businesses and corporations can exploit public parks without making any contribution to their upkeep. I totally agree.
Given the profits generated by personal training and fitness instructors, I think a small hourly charge to businesses and corporations who choose to operate in this way, is not an unreasonable ask. cheers Andy
Hey Greg
It's Julia here from 60 Minutes - can you do me a favour and give me a quick bell. Just need to talk to you about my posting.
Cheers
Julia
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