Council to cut red tape for athletics events

The Inner West Council has endorsed a partnership with Athletics Australia in a bid to make it easier for local schools, clubs and community groups to organise fun runs and athletics events.

Athletics Australia has approached Council with a request to partner with them in the creation of a streamlined events approval policy, which will cut red tape and make it easier to establish new events. This would be the first of its kind in Australia.

There is currently no template for organisations applying to local government, and community event managers often find it difficult to navigate the different government bodies from which they need to gain approvals.

“Schools, charities and grassroots organisations are finding too difficult to start up new charity runs and walks. We want to work with Athletics Australia to establish a simpler system, which will allow the number of athletics events in the Inner West to grow,” said Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne.

“Volunteers who have the passion to set up these events shouldn’t have waste their energy wading through red tape,” said Mayor Byrne.

“The benefits of local communities participating in grassroots activities, such as charity walks and fun runs are well known. This plan will allow more people involved in active sports.

“A robust and locally endorsed policy will make it easier for events to be organised in the Inner West, leading to increased opportunities for our residents to live in a healthier community,” he added.

James Matthews, National Programs Manager at Athletics Australia, believes this new streamlined approach will mean the Inner West will see a sharp increase in the number of athletic events.

“We expect a number of new schools, charity groups, sporting clubs and event promoters will look to utilise the streamlined approach to put on new fun and exciting events for the whole community,” said Matthews.

Council officers will liaise with Athletics Australia to advise and help with the formation of the “Events Licensing Policy” to ensure that it meets the needs of Inner West Council and has widespread local support.

“The overall aim of this policy is to ensure the wellbeing of, not only participants, but also race officials, the general public and other stakeholders while providing greater participation opportunities for people of the Inner West,” added Matthews.

Officers will also provide a report to Council on the final policy, with a plan for its adoption throughout the Inner West.

Council to cut red tape for athletics events

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