The end of the great Aussie BBQ?

Paying for the privilege? Aussies are increasingly being asked to pay if they want to host a BBQ at the local park. Source: News Limited

THE weather is heating up, and for many of us this is the season of endless summer barbecues, lazy picnics and kid's birthdays celebrated under a tree in the local park.

But open space has become a valuable resource, particularly in inner city areas where many homes do not have backyards.

In particular, parks have become popular spots for children's parties because many families do not have enough room at home and the trend away from church weddings has also seen them in demand for outdoor ceremonies.

To manage the competing interests and maintenance of these areas, councils are moving towards increased regulation and a user-pays model.

While some support this, others say a person's credit limit should not determine whether they can access a park for a birthday party.

Outdoor weddings have become increasingly popular. Source: News Limited

The City of Melbourne already requires groups of more than 50 people to apply for a permit and this month Brisbane City Council is also looking at doing the same.

Brisbane City, which manages more than 2000 parks, wants groups of more than 50 people to register for a permit to use open space. Those who don't register could face fines of up to $5500.

For gatherings that request "exclusive use" of the area, the council may also charge a $300 fee and require 20 days notice. This includes people hosting weddings, markets, busking, abseiling, kit surfing or orienteering.

Large groups just wanting to have a barbecue will probably not have to pay but it's unclear why council wants them to register for a permit.

When asked what council was hoping to achieve by this requirement, it responded: "people ... will not have to aply for a permit unless they trigger the criteria".

The restrictions for those wanting to use natural areas such as bushlands, wetlands, waterways and habitat corridors will be even more strict, with groups of more than 20 people required to get a permit in these areas.

The proposal has prompted widely varied responses with some complaining they should not have to pay to use a public space, while others see nothing wrong with it.

CONSULTATION: On the changes to Brisbane's Public Land and Council Assets Law has been extended to October 10. Click here for more information.

Got a large family? You may have to pay. Source: News Limited

Brisbane City Council's parks and environment chairman Matthew Bourke said more people were using the council's open spaces and parks and this was putting pressure on them.

"We're balancing some of the uses with the community expectations by providing a framework for people to use," Cr Bourke said.

"If people are using the space appropriately and they're not causing damage or impacting other park users it will be fine."

But Labor councillor Shayne Sutton held the opposite view.

"Parks are public spaces. With more and more people moving into the city, council should not be charging large amounts of money for people to hire parks."

Small gatherings are OK. Photo by Jeremy Piper Source: News Corp Australia

Cr Sutton said the size of someone's credit limit should not determine whether they could access a park for a birthday party.

Independent councillor Nicole Johnston also criticised the move for adding unnecessary red tape.

Their views are echoed in those expressed on Facebook:

Christine Fisher: "Its ridiculous! There are many large families and there is no reason why they shouldn't use a public park and shouldn't have to pay to use it! It doesn't restrict other people from using the park. There shouldn't be a fee, that's pathetic."

Lisa Cruse: "We have parties at parks cause we can't afford to pay for venues or our houses are too small to accommodate lots of children. I really hope this does not go through. How many struggling parents can afford $300."

Tammy Evans: "Nothing new, most council parks have been doing that for years, but many have not been chasing up on it. I personally don't see a problem. People are sectioning off a part of public property for private use. They should pay a fee for it. If you book a function room do you get that for free? The answer is no. Why should it be free to close of public areas for private use?"

Lynn Grady: "It's a public park! If people want a mass gathering hire a hall."

Centennial Park is one of the most popular places for a picnic in Sydney and there is no charge unless you want to book a specific site. Source: News Corp Australia

Those who have to pay will get guaranteed access to the booked sites in Brisbane but this is not the case in Melbourne, with a "first-come, first-served" system still in place.

The City of Melbourne already requires groups of more than 50 people to apply for a permit and a council spokeswoman told news.com.au: "The purpose of the 50 people limit is to effectively manage crowds in public spaces and protect the parks from damage", not to reserve the space.

"A permit ensures that no-one else can book that site, but members of the public can't be excluded from the site as it is still a public space," the spokeswoman said.

The council website also points to the damage that increased use of parks is causing.

"Over the past decade, the pressure of drought conditions and the increasing trend in outdoor events has created a situation where trees, shrubs and grasses are under immense pressure," the website says.

"Soil compaction and the inability to water has resulted in serious degradation of living assets."

Melbourne charges an application fee for "low impact" groups of $52.20 and a site fee ranging between $395-$485.

In contrast, the City of Sydney, does not charge any fees for informal use of its parks.

However, it does allow people to reserve specific areas for a fee, such as the rotunda at Observatory Hill, which can be booked for wedding ceremonies.

Prices range from $335 for three hours at a pocket park, to $670 for an event in an iconic park and this guarantees the group exclusive use of the site.

"An informal group of people is allowed to use any park for recreation without seeking approval from council," the spokeswoman said.

What do you think? Should large groups be charged for using public spaces? Comment below.