Bonds leave bad taste

By Nicole Williams
SOME sporting clubs in Dandenong are refusing to pay a council enforced bond for the use of sporting pavilions because the amount is too high.
After a review of sporting pavilions in Greater Dandenong last year, council has been trialling a bond structure for the use of sporting pavilions with the aim of reducing damage.
But Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) has told its clubs not to pay the bond until council had reviewed the situation.
DDCA secretary Ray Nicholls said long-standing clubs have been treated poorly.
“All of our clubs at this stage have been told not to pay the bond until it’s been reviewed,” he said.
“The underlying concern from our club is that clubs have been treated, even though they may have a long history of tenancy, as a Johnny-come-lately club.”
The bond system was introduced in June 2011 following an audit of council’s 36 sporting pavilions. All pavilions failed the audit as a result of damage by tenants.
Some of the worst damage included illegal electrical work; illegal plumbing work; holes in walls and doors; damaged carpet and flooring; damaged appliances; graffiti and a general lack of cleanliness.
Greater Dandenong Community Services director Mark Doubleday said the bonds were introduced to maintain the quality of the sporting pavilions.
“Council takes great pride in the city’s sporting pavilions, and is keen to maintain them to the highest possible standard,” Mr Doubleday said.
“Council is happy to work with clubs and consider alternative approaches to reducing the level of tenant damage to sporting pavilions.”
Council has given each pavilion a rank, and bonds are priced according to its rank. The bonds range from $400 to $2000.
Mr Nicholls said some clubs would struggle to find a spare $1000 to cover the bond.
“The amount is a concern because they’re talking about bonds from $400 to $2000, and clubs have to pay up that bond which is retained by council,” he said.
“Some clubs would have to come up with $1000 and that’s not easy.”
The bond structure is still in the trial phase and is continually reviewed by council.