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City of Subiaco slammed for banning use of parkland by fitness groups

Lisa ThomasWestern Suburbs Weekly

A WESTERN suburbs personal trainer believes the City of Subiaco is going against residents and ratepayers by banning fitness classes at Subiaco Common.

The City’s changes will come into effect on August 1, which mean personal trainers will no longer be able to use the reserve, after it received noise complaints.

Trainer Susan Anderson said the decision was made without any consultation with residents and ratepayers and was based on complaints from a small number of people.

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“They have made this decision based on a loud minority of people complaining without consulting the majority,” she said.

“They say noise is an issue and if that is the case then bring in restrictions on times, but don’t ban the use of Subiaco Common.”

The City has brought in restrictions on other parks and reserves in the City of Subiaco, where personal trainers will need to apply for permits and display a sign if they want to use them.

Mueller Park, Nicholson Road Park, Mabel Talbot, Rosalie Park and Lake Jualbup will all be available for use with a permit.

A City of Subiaco spokesman said the new restrictions were intended to provide fair and equal use of parks and reserves.

“Due to the close proximity of residents to the grassed area in Subiaco Common, the incidental noise of commercial recreation impacts nearby residents and is therefore unsuitable,” he said.

“Permits provide trainers with a time and location for commercial recreation. Trainers are required to display a sign (provided by the City) with their permit number displayed to allow city officers to easily identify valid permits.

“No permits have been issued for Subiaco Common.”

Ms Anderson said the City was continuing to make bad decisions on behalf of its residents.

“They’ve managed to turn a thriving place into a ghost town,” she said.