Lease, licence and hire permit reform

Historically there have been inconsistencies in the way we have managed leases, licences and permits. Our fee structure has not reflected the many different user groups in our community, how our community facilities are used and by whom.

This has led to fee inequity and use agreements that are either too simple, overly complex or aren’t reflective of community standards.

In spearheading reform, our aim is to increase fairness and equity in arrangements associated with the use of Council facilities and access by user groups.

By changing our policy settings, we can ensure the fees being paid reflect how the facility is being used. Importantly, this approach will be far more accountable and transparent because it’s based on a clearly articulated fee structure according to user and the type of activity being undertaken.

As part of this reform, we will also clarify the roles and responsibilities of user groups, so they understand the expectations that come with using Council facilities. As well as having more clarity, groups may also have more autonomy to work with others who share their facilities, removing what’s commonly known as ‘Council red tape’.

It’s possible your group may pay more, or you may pay less. What’s important to understand is that the fee structure is standardised to reflect different uses.

This new model recognises that welfare and not-for-profit organisations are very different users to groups with a large membership base, potential income stream or commercial orientation, and therefore their capacity to pay is vastly different.

In introducing reform we are meeting the principles of social justice, equity and value for money, as we should.

We will engage with groups to share our draft settings and seek their input into the framework that will be presented to Council for consideration.

In the meantime, all agreements that have expired or are due to expire have been extended so we can continue providing our business-as-usual arrangements for you.

This is our biggest reform to-date in the lease, licensing and permit space, and we want to work collaboratively with user groups. We understand there have been pain points in the past and we are now seeking to reset and move forward in a spirit of goodwill.

From March, we will be engaging with stakeholder groups to ensure the draft model reflects community needs. This includes face-to-face sessions with our key user groups of our facilities.

In April, we will go out to speak with the wider community, so everyone has a chance to be informed and provide feedback.

At the end of this process we will undertake community consultation on the draft Lease, Licence and Permit Policy before Council formally considers the Policy for adoption.

• February – Council workshop – high level principles
• March- April – Current lease, licence and permit stakeholder engagement
• March-April – Broader community engagement
• May – Council workshop – detailed policy settings and framework design
• May – Council report – draft Policy presented for endorsement for public consultation
• June-July – public consultation
• July – Council report – consultation results and Policy for adoption
• August onwards – implementation

The way we maintain our facilities is outside the scope of this proposed reform. However in parallel with this reform, we have increased the size of our on-the-ground facilities team, so we can triage and respond to requests for maintenance in a more efficient and strategic way.

As well as the information provided on our website there will stakeholder meetings held in March and April 2023 and you can email barossa@barossa.sa.gov.au where a member of our Corporate Services team will respond to your enquiry.