Parks Eco Pass for fitness trainers

 

The Parks Eco Pass for fitness trainers is a one year licence requiring annual renewal.  It will authorise you to use NSW national parks for fitness activities on a non-exclusive basis. 

To apply, you will need to be registered with Fitness Australia and have public liability insurance (see below).

The application process involves completing an application form and an activity schedule. You will need to complete one activity schedule for each park you propose to conduct activities in. You will also be required to provide us with a general roster of your program/activities (including the number of times you plan to use the park each week and the duration of each session), details of the types of fitness activities you plan to provide, details of the specific locations you intend to use and estimated group numbers.

Your licence will contain details of authorised areas, group sizes, permitted activities and other relevant information. You may only conduct the commercial activity that is specified in your licence.


Frequently asked questions

Q1 Do I need a Parks Eco Pass fitness trainer licence to carry out my personal fitness training business in a NSW national park?

Yes. If you are providing fitness activities and/or instruction to people in a NSW national park or reserve and receiving a financial benefit, you are carrying out a commercial activity and must be licensed. Both commercial fitness groups and personal fitness trainers fall within this requirement.

If you are training a non-professional running group that accesses a park as part of a running program, you will not require a Parks Eco Pass fitness trainer licence.


Q2 Are there any special conditions for fitness trainers?

Yes. We recognise that fitness trainers offer a unique service that does not fall within the traditional range of commercial recreation and tour operator activities covered by the Parks Eco Pass system. 

We have prepared special conditions for fitness trainers operating in NSW national parks.


Q3 What fees do I have to pay as a licenced operator?

You will need to pay an annual fee of $1,040 to operate your business in a NSW national park or reserve.  This fee includes GST.

Fitness trainers do not have to pay

  • an additional application fee
  • a per head use fee (for each client) or 
  • lodge a quarterly trip return report.


Q4 What activities are permissible under my Parks Eco Pass?

Your Parks Eco Pass licence agreement will contain details of permitted activities and relevant site conditions. Some park areas may be excluded.

Generally, permitted activities include:

  • gym sessions (weights, fitballs, skipping ropes etc)
  • boxing and pad training
  • aerobic activity
  • yoga, tai chi and pilates
  • circuit training.

Aggressive and intimidating activities, such as boot camps, and activities involving amplified music or audio equipment are not permitted.

You may not use park furniture or areas booked for private use or public events.

Your licence will specify how many clients you may train in one group. Generally, the maximum size of any one training group will be 10 people. Larger groups have a greater negative impact on the living environment, infrastructure and other park users.


Q5 I am a company that employs more than one trainer.  Do I need a separate licence for each trainer?

No. More than one trainer may be authorised to operate under each Parks Eco Pass licence.  Each trainer must be individually registered with Fitness Australia and listed in the activity schedule section of your Parks Eco Pass application form. 


Parks Eco Pass Application Information

When you apply for a Parks Eco Pass for fitness trainer licence, you must provide evidence of the following certifications.

1 Fitness Australia Registration

You must be a registered exercise professional with Fitness Australia (www.fitness.org.au) under your relevant registration category. To register with Fitness Australia as a personal trainer you must hold (as a minimum) the following qualifications:

  • Certificate IV Fitness Trainer
  • Senior First Aid Certificate
  • CPR Certificate.

2 Public Liability Insurance

All Parks Eco Pass applicants must have in place current public liability insurance which indemnifies the Minister for the Environment, Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Crown in right of NSW, for a minimum of $10 million.
(See the full Certificate of Currency insurance requirements checklist at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/parksecopass/CertificateCurrencyChecklist.htm ) 

 

Sample Parks Eco Pass fitness trainer licence

Prospective operators are encouraged to read the sample licence below to gain an understanding of standard licence conditions:

Preview a sample of a Fitness Trainer Licence (PDF, 153KB)


Apply for a Parks Eco Pass fitness trainer licence

To apply for a Parks Eco Pass fitness trainer licence, please go to step 1 (trainer licence application form). After completing step 1 and step 2 (activities form) you can use the link to provide payment.

If you have any queries in relation to your Parks Eco Pass fitness trainer licence please contact the Parks Eco Pass Licensing Coordinator on 02 9585 6082 or at parksecopass@environment.nsw.gov.au

Page last updated: 30 June 2011