Food-Licensing Fees Waived for Mount Isa Sporting Clubs

Council has agreed to give a financial reprieve to sporting clubs that run food canteens, with all applicable food-licensing fees to be waived for this financial year, representing a potential saving of up to $1070 per club.

The fees comprise a one-off approval application fee of $685, and an annual food licence fee of $385.

Councillor Peta MacRae, whose portfolios include Sports and Recreation, said Council is in the process of licensing all eligible food canteens operated by sporting groups in Mount Isa.

“These clubs are run by dedicated and hardworking volunteers, are not-for-profit and do a great deal of terrific and under-appreciated work for and in the community,” Cr MacRae said.

“We as a Council recognise that and have agreed to go ahead with waiving these fees for them.

“We support these clubs and organisations through other ways too, such as our Community Grants and Sponsorship program, and the $200 rates discount we recently gave to 31 clubs and groups each, and in these particularly challenging times it’s important to help out in any way we can.”

Under section 48 of the Food Act 2006, food premises operated by a non-profit organisation and which involve, on at least 12 days each financial year, the sale of meals prepared by the organisation at a particular place, are categorised as licensable food businesses.

Such premises must obtain the relevant food licence from Council to continue their food-handling operations.

Mayor Danielle Slade said she hoped the waiver would help reduce the financial burden on Mount Isa’s not-for-profit sporting clubs’ operating costs and encourage them to kickstart their canteens for local games, matches and events.

“It’s fantastic to see that sports events and activities have begun to resume in the community, but we acknowledge and appreciate that many clubs are struggling right now,” Cr Slade said.

“It’s also important for the organisations to comply with current food legislation and licensing requirements, so we hope this will spur them to become compliant and license their canteens and tuckshops, ensuring food safety for their guests.”