By Dominique Tassell
A request for financial assistance from the Condamine River Sports Group and its member clubs was approved by Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) at the Ordinary Council Meeting earlier this month.
Condamine River Sports Group and its member clubs now have an agreement with SDRC lasting for a period of 10 years, commencing on 1 July 2022.
The agreement includes the reimbursement of building insurance premiums, relief from utility and potable town water consumption charges, and payment of a replacement mower based on a five-year replacement schedule;
In line with this, $30,000 for reimbursement of building insurance premiums, $40,000 for utility and water consumption charges relief, and $20,000 for a replacement mower will be allocated in the 2023/2024 Budget.
In the SDRC meeting, Cr Cynthia McDonald stated “it’s excellent to see Council promoting sport and I think when it comes to these nine sporting groups coming together and putting their needs forward to Council”.
“They’ve done a great job,” she said. “We should be promoting sport amongst all ages of our community and keep a healthy community.”
Cr Stephen Tancred had a couple of questions but first concurred with McDonald’s sentiments.
He stated he approved of the group’s sentiments that any assistance should be affordable.
“It’s good to see the community groups recognise the challenge we have with our budget.”
He questioned whether the financial assistance should be on a five by five term instead of a straight ten years.
“I don’t want to deny them the benefits of long term, but I’m just thinking if we get a chance in five years to review their needs may have changed and our assistance capability may have changed.”
SDRC CEO Dave Burges stated it was up to the board, but that this would align with the Stanthorpe Sports Association agreement.
Cr Jo McNally raised the recycled water charges, and that there has not been a decision made overall on this.
Mr Burges stated this charge was deliberately left out of the recommendation.
Cr Marco Gliori stated the group had previously only ever asked for a shed to store their mower and asked whether rising insurance premiums would factor into the agreement.
He stated he would be happy to have a five by five year agreement as Cr Tancred suggested.
However, no amendments were made and the lease remained at ten years.
The Condamine River Sports Group Inc (CRSG) is a not for profit organisation made up of representatives from each of the clubs located at or near Queens Park and St Mark’s Park, Warwick on the banks of the Condamine River. This includes:
• Warwick Cricket Assoc Inc
• Warwick District Football Assoc Inc
• Warwick and District Hockey Assoc Inc
• Warwick Cowboys Rugby League Football Club Inc
• Warwick and District Rugby Union Club Inc
• Eastern Suburbs Junior Rugby League Warwick Inc
• Collegians Junior Rugby Football League Inc
• Warwick Redbacks AFC Inc
• Warwick Touch Football Assoc Inc
Their lease is due to expire on 31 May but was extended at an Ordinary Council meeting held last year.
