KMBC INC
1351 Anzac Av
KALLANGUR QLD 2503
PH: (07) 3285 2267
[email protected] Mayor
Mr Allan Sutherland
Moreton Bay Regional Council PO Box
CABOOLTURE QLD 4510 Dear Allan
RE: SAVE OUR CLUB –KALLANGUR MEMORIAL BOWLS CLUB INC
We are writing to request the Council reconsider its decision to sell the property, including clubhouse occupied by KMBC located at 1351 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur Qld.
The MBRC Active Living Plan – 2014 states their belief in the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle (meeting the National Physical Activity Guidelines) and having the
‘built environment to support it’. One of your targets is to ‘ increase the number of Moreton Bay residents undertaking physical activity’. In Councils vision for active living in Moreton Bay you state ‘Moreton Bay is a region of opportunity, recognised by its residents for the assets and facilities that encourage and support an active and
healthy life style…..’. The occupancy by KMBC demonstrates Councils commitment to its vision.
It is our belief that bowls is a sport that has some unique attributes, especially being able to offer people of all ages and abilities a chance to play. Bowls, facilitates long lasting friendships that are often a central feature of the social network for older people, KMBC is our hub to gather, exercise, get outdoors and socialise. The KMBC is a successful working example where ageing residents are staying connected in their community.
Last year saw an increase in bowling membership with a 12.5% increase in men bowlers and a 28% increase in the ladies since the previous year. This growth indicates the health of our Club, and reverses the trend of declining participation in lawn bowls throughout Australia (Bowls Australia).
On the 28/4/2015 KMBC entered into a new lease agreement in line with new Regional Community Leasing Policy (adopted in April 2014), and expires 27/4/20. On several occasions we attempted to secure a longer lease to no avail.
Since 2012 KMBC has adopted a “Modern Governance” strategy with the assistance of Vicky Roofayel and the Morton Bay Regional Council (MBRC) by developing new Rules of Association, By-laws, supporting policies and procedures. In 2016 a strategic plan was composed, approved by members and implemented and is being reviewed at the present time.
Over the past 3 years KMBC has invested significant funds towards the development of the facility, this adds up to $200,000 monetary wise and does not include volunteer help. Financially we are healthy with a surplus each year since 2012 on average of $50-
$60,000.
Our commitment to the community has strengthened, at present the KMBC support the following groups, all of whom use our facilities:
• Probus Club of Kallangur
• Kallangur Darts Association
• Pool Club
• Lions of Kallangur
• Moreton Bay Spinal Injury Network
• Bald Hills Vision Impaired Group
• Craft Group
• Life Builders Wesleyan Church.
With all these achievements in mind, we believe we have demonstrated a positive contribution to Council’s active healthy lifestyle, and ask why is KMBC being singled out for sale when other Council properties have not?
We request that Council before implementing Stage 2 of the sale to re-consider the sale of 1351 Anzac Ave.The KMBC, a not for profit entity that has been a popular community organisation for over 50 years, and its sale to an entity that does not support the objects of the KMBC would disconnect and deny a group of rate payers in the pursuit of their choice of physical activity..
Yours Sincerely
ROS CLARK | Secretary KMBC INC Cc: CEO David Hitchcock
Denise Simms Division 7 Councillor Peter Flannery Division 2 Councillor
Julie Greer Division 4 Councillor Mick Gillam Division 8 Councillor Mike Charlton Division 9 Councillor Cc: Mr Shane King MP Kallangur
Mr Christopher Whiting MP Murrumba Ms Nikki Boyd MP Pine Rivers
Mr Mark Ryan MPMorayfield
Ms Coralee O’Rouke MP Minister for Disability Services/Seniors Cc: Peter Dutton MP Federal Member for Dickson
Luke Howarth MP Federal Member for Petrie
