In a recent meeting Bathurst Regional Council voted to waive the Parks and Gardens Active Spaces Community Groups user fees, which will save some local associations more than $10,000 this year.

Bathurst District Football stands to save the most money from the decision, at $14,198, while Group 10 clubs Bathurst Panthers and St Pat's each save $10,334.

The decision to waive the fees across rugby league, rugby union, soccer, netball, Australian rules and hockey will mean council forfeits more than $50,000 from their income this year.

Bathurst mayor Bobby Bourke said there's a high value on keeping sporting clubs functioning, and council wanted to ease the burden many associations would be feeling.

"Council has many parks and gardens for which various community groups contribute to operating costs. These volunteer groups are extremely important to the fabric of the community, and the conduct of sport and associated tournaments is a fundamental facet in the Bathurst tourism economy," he said.

"Many of these groups will struggle to pay Council charges with the cessation of sport (generally) with the COVID-19 pandemic. It is recommended that these maintenance fees be waived for those sports who have not been able to commence their season due to the pandemic."

Councillor Bourke said at this point summer sports will still be charged fees, but that will be dependent on the state of the virus.

"At this time basic lease fees are recommended to stay in place but are subject to future review," he said.

"Fees and charges for summer sports are retained as is, they will be an item for future consideration depending on the COVID-19 pandemic timeline. This includes sports such as touch football, district cricket and triathlon.

"But winter sports have not been able to commence their season use due to COVID-19 restrictions, so for this reason a full waiver is recommended."