More Tasmanian community and sporting groups are accessing education facilities, Premier and Minister for Education and Skills, David Bartlett, said today.
Mr Bartlett said that community use of school facilities had increased by 7619 hours – to 115,980 hours in 2008–09 from 108,361 hours in 2007–08.
“Schools are encouraged to support community activities through enabling access to existing public facilities for community education and recreation pursuits,” Mr Bartlett said.
“However, the issue of public liability insurance has in the past deterred some community groups from using departmental facilities for fear of being liable if someone was injured.
“That’s why the State Government introduced in July this year a two year trial where community, not for profit organisations and sporting groups which aren’t already insured using Education Department facilities are protected by third party insurance.”
Mr Bartlett said that people could view available facilities online throughout Tasmania on the Department of Education website.
“The webpage, which has recorded over 750 hits in three months, contains general information about the project as well as the hire and fee structures,” he said.
“Some of the facilities for hire include gyms, swimming pools, sports ovals, playgrounds, meeting rooms and auditoriums.”
“There are also certain safety requirements associated with the use of swimming pools such as compliance with guidelines outlined in the Royal Life Saving Standards.
“There is no doubt that if school sporting and recreational facilities are accessible during times when schools aren’t open such as after school and on weekends, thousands of Tasmanians who currently don’t participate in sport and recreational activities will have an opportunity to do so.”
Mr Bartlett said that the Department of Education would monitor use of the facilities and following the two year trial, compare use during the trial with use prior to the introduction of the policy.
Mr Bartlett also acknowledged the role of Marsh Pty Ltd, the administrative agents of the Tasmanian Government’s Risk Management Fund, who were successfully able to engage an insurer for this scheme.
“This is a fantastic way of getting Tasmanians active and involved in their local community, as well as sharing valuable community facilities,” Mr Bartlett said.
People can access more information at:
www.education.tas.gov.au/dept/contact/community-use
