Opposition to the redevelopment plans for Stafford Bowls Club is growing as an online petition calling to have the lease cancelled and the iconic venue returned to the community ended with 907 signatures.
A little more than 900 people have signed the e-petition against the planned redevelopment of the local bowls club which closed in 2016 and is now in a state of disrepair. The lease transfer from Crushers Leagues Club to Brisbane Racing Club was approved last October 2022.
The Crushers Leagues Club decided to abandon plans to redevelop the site after winning the tender process in 2018. And as part of the deal, BRC agreed to the conditions of the lease which was approved in June 2021 and proposes to refurbish the premises, adding 78 pokies and new a sports bar, among other installations, at a cost of $7.5 million.
A group of residents opposed to the idea launched the “Community Hub, not Racing Club” online petition which calls for the Council to cancel the lease, citing a lack of community consultation and transparency.
“Unbeknownst to the community, Brisbane City Council representatives recently debated the handover of this approved lease agreement between Crushers Leagues Club and council to be handed over to a commercial interest – The Brisbane Racing Club. Without debate, and without community support, transparency or input,” the group stated in their e-petition.
Meanwhile, the Brisbane City Council e-petition initiated by Joe Woolley likewise stated that the “transfer of license was conducted without observing Council’s own processes” and that “the local community was not consulted on the plan before the lease transfer.”
The e-petitioners are therefore requesting that:
- Brisbane City Council place on hold the current lease agreement of Stafford Bowls Club, and Open submissions for community organisations and sporting groups to submit alternative proposals within a reasonable timeframe
- Engage with the Stafford community and stakeholders to develop a more acceptable solution for the Stafford Bowls Club redevelopment, and
- Require Crushers Leagues Club to return the bowls club to the original state, as per Lease agreements required for all lessees.
On the other hand, as the petition has already closed, locals may still object to the gaming license currently under assessment. Follow the Stafford Community Hub not Race Club for more information.
Published 26-February-2023
