Personal Training in Parks & Gardens

Rural City of Wangaratta is pleased to be partnering with Service Victoria to launch Automatic Approvals, an initiative aimed at making permit processes easier for our Businesses and Sole Traders.

September 12, 2022 marks the launch of the program and the Personal Training in Parks and Gardens Pilot, which allows registered fitness trainers who meet the criteria, to receive instant approval to conduct outdoor fitness activities specified parks in line with the Automatic Approvals Pilot Program conditions.

 

Registered fitness trainers who wish to conduct paid personal training or exercise classes in a public park or on council land, will need a permit.

This only applies to those who are charging a fee for their services, if you do not charge a fee, then you do not require a permit. 

Apply for a permit

Step 1.Gather your documents

To apply for an Exercise and Personal Training in Public Parks permit, you will need the following: 

  • to be a registered fitness trainer. If you aren’t yet registered, you can do so via the AusActive or Physical Activity Australia websites
  • public liability insurance – certificate of currency ($20 million coverage per occurrence)
  • professional indemnity insurance – certificate of currency
  • business details including your ABN 

Step 2.Submit your application

Simply submit your application via the Service Victoria portal. This should only take 5 - 10 minutes. 

Apply Now

Step 3.Read the conditions of permit

You will be emailed your permit instantly following approval - It is important you read and understand the conditions of the permit outlined below. This will make sure you are aware of what you can and cannot do. 

Step 4.Approval

Once approved, you can commence operation!

Please ensure you only run sessions during your nominated times at your nominated park. If you are caught operating outside the conditions of the permit, or are found breaching the conditions of the permit, you may receive a fine.

 

  • An Exercise and Personal Training Permit is required when exercise and personal training activities are conducted in public parks where a fee for service is charged.
  • Application is for the nominated public park only and is not transferable to other council owned or managed parks.
  • Parklands are to remain accessible for general public use at all times.
  • It is mandatory that your organisation take out and maintain public liability insurance with an indemnity limit of no less than $20 million during the period of hire of the facility. If a copy of your insurance is not provided your application will not proceed.
  • Organisations booking sportsgrounds under a ‘Seasonal Agreement’ (please contact us directly for details) have priority of ground use over casual users.
  • Failure to comply with the agreed conditions of use may result in the cancellation of the permit. 
  • Organisations/Individuals who use a public park for exercise and personal training, for which they charge a fee, without approval from Council may incur a $200 infringement under Local Law 1 of 2018 – Council Amenity.
  • Your activity must not adversely affect the amenity of the area, interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of the area by the public, or negatively impact nearby residents.

  • You’re not allowed to:
    ○ use stereos, play music or use a microphone
    ○ use heavy exercise equipment (e.g. weight benches, treadmills, steppers, tyres)
    ○ use any equipment that may damage the grass, trees or parkland
  • Selling clothing, merchandise, equipment, refreshments, goods and services is not permitted.
  • All vehicles must use nearby parking spaces. You can’t drive on the parkland.