Mayor tells gyms ‘pay up’
MAYOR TOM Tate says gyms struggling to pay zoning feasibility fees should “do some heavy lifting”.
The mayor’s comments came after show cause notices were issued to 23 gyms across the Gold Coast which were found to have no zoning approval.
Many of these small businesses – now facing zoning compliance fees of up to $20,000 – say they are considering closing. Some have already shut up shop.
However, Cr Tate told the small operators it was only fair they pay up.
“It’s fair, fees should be paid,” he said.
“There are a lot of gyms around the place, you do your feasibility study to see if it will work in the area.”
The mayor said he did not believe the council application fees, which can cost between $5666 and $14,157, were too high for small business.
“If you can’t do that your business is too close to the wind before you start,” he said. “Do some heavy lifting.” Planning chair Cameron Caldwell said the issue of noncompliance for zoning was widespread in the fitness industry.
“We seem to have a higher than normal level of non-compliance issues with gyms, but we investigate each one of those complaints,” he said.
“It is absolutely critical businesses are operating lawfully under the city plan and with approvals. We need to do this to take into account impacts on the nearby area.
“But it needs to be an even playing field and all businesses must comply with the city plan.
“It doesn’t matter if you are a gym or a jam factory you must comply with the requirements of the city plan.”
Surfers Paradise gym owner Mark Mathie of Wicked Bods PT said he agreed with the mayor’s comments.
“How is not paying fair to people who do all the right things,” Mr Mathie said.
“I have been on the Gold Coast for 14 years, from the very get go you know there is zoning.
“When you sign your lease it says it is your obligation to check the zoning.
“I don’t wish any misfortune on anyone, but the industry is a shemozzle as it is.”
Mr Mathie said he believes there could be more than 23 gyms operating without the appropriate zoning applications on the Coast.
“There are 300 odd fitness businesses on the Coast, I wouldn’t be surprised if more of them haven’t checked,” he said. “You live within your means, if you can’t do that go do something else.
“If you are trying to be healthy and help the community that is fine, just follow the rules like everyone else does.”
“We are in the centre of Surfers, we have huge insurance fees but make it work.”