paul mallett advocates for the opening up of public school sport and recreational spaces to boost community participation in exercise. In parallel with the City of Launceston investing in additional suburban park based courts and equipment, paul believes a partnership with the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) could create more immediate access and get Launceston moving sooner.

Often raised as a solution, this use of “public assets” has been placed in the “too hard basket” for too long. Paul proposes the following:

• Clear policy direction – Education departments or local councils would need to set policy supporting shared use (sometimes called joint use or community use agreements).
• Partnership agreements – Formal agreements between schools, councils, sporting clubs, or community groups to define:

  • Who can use the facilities and when.

  • Who manages bookings.

  • How costs (e.g. utilities, cleaning, security) are covered.

  • Roles for maintenance and repairs.

• Insurance and risk management – Ensure public liability insurance covers community users.

• Develop and communicate safety protocols for out-of-hours use.

• Infrastructure readiness, as  schools may need to invest in:

  • Secure fencing to separate public access areas from school-only areas.

  • Additional lighting, signage, and security measures.

  • Durable surfaces designed for high use.

• Operational funding – Identify funding for extra cleaning, supervision, wear and tear, utilities — often from local councils, grants, or modest user fees.
• Community engagement

• Consult local residents, clubs, and youth groups to design access arrangements that meet genuine community needs.

• Scheduling systems – Set up fair, transparent booking systems — often digital — so everyone understands availability.

paul believes the benefit to the community of this initiative would be

• Improves community health and wellbeing – Encourages people of all ages to be more physically active, reducing risks of chronic disease.
• Increases use of existing assets – Makes better use of public investment — school facilities that might otherwise sit idle after hours.
• Supports youth engagement – Provides safe, structured places for kids and teens to gather and play, reducing antisocial behaviour.
• Builds social connection – Sporting spaces help foster friendships and community pride.
• Promotes equity – Gives people who can’t afford private gyms or clubs a free or low-cost way to be active.
• Strengthens school-community ties – Helps schools and communities collaborate and support one another.
• Supports local sports clubs –  Provides more training and competition venues, helping grow grassroots sport.
• Encourages lifelong physical activity – Kids who play sport or use active spaces young are more likely to stay active as adults.
• Reduces demand on other community facilities – Eases pressure on council-run sports centres and parks.
• Activates neighbourhoods – Well-used facilities contribute to safer, more vibrant communities.