By Jenel Hunt
After 115 years of not having to pay general rates, the Warwick Bowls Club was almost bowled over when it was advised by the Southern Downs Regional Council that not only could it not have an exemption on rates for water and sewerage that it was seeking but also had to pay general rates.
In a letter asking the council to reconsider the general rates now imposed on it, Warwick Bowls Club secretary Carol Thurgate said it would mean not being able to stay competitive with other clubs in Warwick, which could force its closure.
“We have been advised by the Department of Fair Trading we are a not-for-profit organisation and we believe we should not be charged rates, as in line with other sporting licensed organisations in the Southern Downs Regional Council area,” she said.
“We believe our club in the centre of town is an asset to the community and if it were to be closed it would be a great loss to the wider community and visitors.
“The Warwick Bowls Club has been in operation for over 115 years in its current location and is solely operated by volunteers. All income from bowling activities, the hire of the venue and the sale of alcohol is used for operational needs and to maintain the building in line with a heritage listing within Leslie Park.”
There had also been an increase of more than $3000 for insurances in the current year, she said.
She said the council, in declining the application, had advised that the organisation was not eligible to receive a concession if income was received from gaming machines, gambling activities and/or from sale of alcohol in an organised manner.
“The Warwick Bowls Club does not have gaming machines and the club is not open to the general public except for hiring of functions,” she said.
“The sale of alcohol is for purchase of our members and visitors at bowling functions only and therefore not in an organised manner.”
Deputy Mayor Cr Ross Bartley supported the club’s stance.
“Most of the others do not pay a general rate and I would expected the bowls club, on leased ground, be similarly treated,” he said.
He wanted the supplementary rates notice that had been issued to be withheld and the club not be required to pay it. Councillors voted to defer the issuing of the rates notice until the relevant policy had been reviewed.
About half a dozen members of the bowls club were in the public gallery to hear the decision in person.
