Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is dedicated to ensuring the ongoing maintenance and sustainability of our sports fields, while also supporting local sporting groups with a fair and transparent fee structure.
As part of this commitment, Council is currently reviewing sports field fees to ensure equitable access, address challenges related to competing space usage and provide long-term sustainability for all user groups.
Since January 2025, Council staff have held nine engagement sessions with local sporting groups, discussing the need for potential fee changes. These sessions also gathered feedback and improved communication through a new dedicated sports information page on the Council website. Engagement has also occurred and continues through the Sports Council.
During these engagements, various fee models were presented to sporting clubs for discussion. These models are still in their early stages of development, and were intended solely to inform and gather feedback. These discussions are ongoing, and staff are continuing to explore all options to best serve the needs of the community.
Before making any decisions, Council is exploring several support mechanisms for clubs and user groups, including proportional fee structures based on facility usage, flexible payment options, and reinvesting all field fee revenue into field maintenance. Council also recognises the unique challenges faced by smaller clubs and is committed to ensuring fair access and ongoing engagement with all sporting groups.
Council is dedicated to working collaboratively with sporting groups to find a balanced, sustainable approach to field usage and fees. Once all options have been explored, Council will determine the next steps, including further engagement with clubs and the broader community. This will involve consideration by Councillors and public exhibition for further community input, before any final decisions on any fee structure and changes are made.
Council acknowledges that this process will take time. We remain committed to ensuring the right balance for sports users, clubs, and the broader community.
