LOCAL sporting clubs have expressed their gratitude to the District Council of Loxton Waikerie after it moved to waive lease fees for the 2020 winter season.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, winter sporting groups have either been forced to delay or cancel this year’s season altogether, and with no return date in sight, financial implications have set back many clubs.
Loxton North Sporting Club president Michelle Hill said with no money coming into the club, the council’s waiver is a “welcome relief”.
“As a sporting club, we’re very grateful that they’re doing that because obviously it is a very trying time,” she said.
“This understanding that while doors are closed, there’s no money coming in, therefore there is nothing to pull from is certainly a very welcome relief to the club.”
The District Council of Loxton Waikerie said it was only right to waive the 2020 season fees for those clubs on an annual or recurring lease, as well as to refund any fees already paid, with little to no revenue coming in.
“COVID-19 has affected the clubs and their revenue, but it’s also affected their sponsors, and so if they do end up having a competition, it will be difficult for them to manage,” said David Beaton, District Council of Loxton Waikerie CEO.
“If they have a competition and they can’t have anybody come to the games, I’m not sure how viable that will be because they rely on canteens, gate takings, bars and those things.
“It’s just understanding that sports are doing it tough and the clubs within our area are really important to the sporting and social infrastructure of our area.”
To date, the Loxton Waikerie Council has received a $16,529 income from hiring/lease fees for community sporting clubs.
This waiver is expected to decrease the council’s income by $30,666 in total.
Mr Beaton said the council is able to manage this as it is running on a regional budget surplus this financial year, and does not have to scope something else to provide the funding for this to occur.
While it is yet unknown if the season will return for the district’s clubs, Ms Hill said when it does happen, it will be important for the community to band together.
“As a small community, we all basically do tend to band together anyway and try to help each other out, but it is going to be very important now to do that,” she said.
“When the clubs do reopen, it’s going to be a great meeting place and good for mental health and general health and wellbeing.
“(So) keep coming through the doors and keep supporting all clubs.”