More than 5000 local sports club members will be able to continue competing with their club house leases renewed at today's Townsville City Council Ordinary Meeting.
Council today voted to renew the leases for Townsville Target Archers at Rosslea, Riverway JCU Football Club at Kelso and Football Queensland Limited at Mundingburra.
Mayor Nick Dametto said the renewal of these leases would help more Townsville locals achieve sporting excellence.
"Club houses are more than just a place to store sports equipment – they're spaces that give our sporting clubs a sense of belonging in our community," Cr Dametto said.
"With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games just around the corner, it's more important now than ever to be investing into our local sporting clubs. There's every chance there's a young and upcoming sports star who can make it all the way to the top, just like our very own Alex Ferlazzo who has just competed at his fourth Winter Olympic Games."
Cr Dametto said Council was proud to offer peppercorn leases for each of these venues.
"We know how valuable these clubs are for our community. Being part of a sporting club isn't just about the sport itself, it's about social connectivity for the players, the coaches and the administrators. Better social connections create a happier and healthier community for all of us," he said.
"Keeping this value in mind, Council has voted to renew these leases for just $1 per year, reducing the financial strain on these not-for-profit clubs as they continue delivering great social outcomes for our city."
Riverway JCU Football Club President Dan Kennedy said the club had more than 220 junior players and seven senior teams that benefitted from having a dedicated club house.
"It's great for the Upper Ross to have a club of its own. Our kids get to make friends, they learn to work as a team, and it keeps kids healthy and active. It brings our whole community together," Mr Kennedy said.
"We'd like to be able to host seniors games in the future, so this is a good step in that direction."
Council's Community Lease Program supports more than 200 local community groups, sporting clubs, and non-profits by providing access to Council-owned land and facilities, often through subsidised rent or peppercorn ($1) arrangements.
The 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.
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