Lost earnings from sausage sizzles that still can't run, and canteens that didn't get to open at sports grounds during the COVID-19 shutdown, caused an unexpected hardship for sporting clubs.
In a benevolent move, Blue Mountains councillors voted unanimously at the June 30 council meeting to let clubs keep their council sportsground levy - of about $13.50 a player - and use it instead to help with upkeep. It will also be available to summer sports.
It's a move that will cost council $95,000 and requires money to be redirected from Sports Council funding which keeps the fields in good shape.
Ward 4 Cr Brendan Christie raised the idea with the mayor after speaking with the Blaxland Redbacks football club president Steve Myhill who had heard that other Nepean district clubs were being compensated.
Redbacks president Steve Myhill said Wollondilly Council had cut their fees by a third and others, like Penrith, had waived them completely. A week later in Blue Mountains the problem was resolved.
"I couldn't believe it," Mr Myhill told the Gazette. "It was very fast, less than a week ... happy days."
"What's been great is that the Sports Council has looked at this for all codes, for both winter and summer, it's going to be a huge benefit for us all," he said.
Play resumed last Friday [July 3] after 12 weeks off. The season has now been extended, and cricket's season will extend as well.
"Friday night was the first game. People are appreciative it's back."
Mr Myhill said they had probably lost about $26,000 from reduced sponsorships, player cancellations and other lost earnings and had to buy new bollards and sanitisers. Social distancing prevents large crowds coming along to spend money in the canteen with a one player-one spectator rule now in force. They still can't run the BBQ because of COVID-19 concerns. But the $6350 from council [for their 470 player club] was very welcome.
"We're not for profit of course and have applied for, and received some grants, for improvements at the club, like fencing upgrades. Having that reduction [from council] certainly helps us to keep pushing those improvements at a high quality level."
Cr Christie said "COVID-19 has impacted us all that includes our sporting clubs ... in these times it's great we can help put some money in our clubs coffers."
"After being informed by Steve Myhill that other councils had acted to support their clubs, I took this straight to council to see what we could do. This is an amazing proposal from the staff and a great outcome for all sporting clubs across our city. Thousands of dollars freed up for every club city wide. It's amazing."
Mayor Mark Greenhill said he "initiated discussions with our director who suggested the course of action ... I spoke with Cr Daniel Myles, chair of the Sports Council, and he offered his support .. to see us put cash into the hands of our clubs in these hard times".
"I felt it important we offer the same support [as other councils].
"The money raised by this fee funds important work that keeps our venues up to playing standard. We will reinstate it, but for now we need to recognise the hardship the pandemic has caused the clubs themselves."
