Both Rollingstone and Bluewater State Emergency Service will continue serving community from Council buildings in the northern suburbs after councillors voted unanimously to extend their peppercorn leases during today's ordinary Council meeting.
Acting Mayor, councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said Council was pleased to continue to support the State Emergency Service and their vital work in the community.
"There is no denying the SES does amazing volunteer work especially in the northern suburbs like Bluewater and Rollingstone, lending a hand when our community needs it most – particularly during the severe weather events of recent years," Cr Greaney said.
"These five-year lease renewals can give our northern suburbs residents confidence the SES has the backing of Council it needs to continue to serve the region to the best of their ability.
"It's important we acknowledge the value they bring to our community which is why we have continued their peppercorn lease arrangement for the facilities."
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the SES lease extensions were just part of the lease renewals conducted in the meeting, with Council also extending two sporting clubs and a commercial lease on the popular Strand Kiosk.
"Council owns and maintains a large number of buildings throughout the local government area which provide almost $5 million in subsidised rent to more than 200 local groups throughout the city," Cr Greaney said.
"Groups like Townsville Castle Hill Touch Association Inc who have almost 3500 members and Souths Rugby League Football Club with their 568 members are great examples of sporting groups who align with our community-centric focus," Cr Greaney said.
I'm please councillors see value in continuing to support their rental subsidy and allow them to continue operating these great community clubs from our buildings.
"We see great value in the work they do, encouraging active and healthy lifestyles and ensuring grassroots sport and community groups can thrive in our growing city."
Council has a strenuous evaluation process which ensures leaseholders align with the objectives in Council's community leasing policy, which prioritises multi-use arrangements for facilities which maximises community benefit.
Council's community lease program supports community groups, sporting clubs, theatre groups and scout groups to benefit from $4.91 million in subsidised rent in the 2025/26 FY, in addition to subsidised rates and utilities.
