What is an AED?
An AED (automated external defibrillator) is a portable device that delivers an electric shock to restart the heart during cardiac arrest. It is designed to be used by anyone - the device provides clear step-by-step audio and visual instructions, so no medical training is needed. Having an AED on site can make a real difference to survival outcomes in the critical minutes before an ambulance arrives.
What is Council planning?
Council has resolved to install up to 70 AEDs across its sportsgrounds, tennis courts and community facilities. Each unit will be permanently fixed in a publicly accessible cabinet, available to anyone in an emergency - not just during organised sport or booked activities.
How would the AEDs be funded?
To cover the cost of purchasing, installing and maintaining the AEDs, Council needs to recover approximately $174,000 per year. This will be achieved through a modest increase to hire fees, shared across sportsground, tennis court, and community building and hall hirers. Those affected include sporting clubs, fitness and training groups, dog training groups, community organisations and individual hirers.
It is proposed that these fee increases will be phased in over two financial years, commencing from 1 July 2026.
For each of the two financial years, the following increases will apply in addition to the standard CPI-based increase:
- Sports fields hire fees: 5.75% per year
- Tennis courts (including Pickleball) hire fees: 1.10% per year
- Community halls & meeting rooms hire fees: 2.60% per year
The standard CPI based increase for 2026/27 is 3.9%.
There will be a further opportunity to comment on the proposed fees when the Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2026/27 goes on public exhibition in May 2026.
Why are hirers being asked to contribute, rather than all ratepayers?
As the most regular users of Council's sportsground, tennis courtand community facilities, hirers are the group most likely to benefit directly from having an AED on site. Council considers it fair that the cost is shared by those who use the facilities most, rather than spread across the broader ratepayer base.
The AEDs will be publicly accessible at all times so that the wider community also benefits, at no direct cost to them.
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