Coorparoo RSL to Put Pokies at Former Greenslopes Bowls Club

Did you know that Coorparoo RSL has secured approval to install pokies at the former Greenslopes Bowls Club site?


Read: What Lies Ahead for Vacant Greenslopes Bowls Club Site?


Coorparoo RSL plans to relocate its operations to the rundown bowls venue after selling its home of 60 years in Coorparoo in 2021.

Coorparoo RSL reportedly considered installing up to 120 machines at Greenslopes, but the club’s CEO Chris Satori said there are no plans to increase beyond the approved 50 machines. He stated that would require an extensive regulatory and community consultation process that the RSL does not intend to undertake.

Pokies at Coorparoo RSL and Community Club (Photo credit: Dale Swadling/Google Maps)

The RSL expects to spend $3.5 million renovating and refitting the Greenslopes site. Some Coorparoo RSL members expressed disappointment that the club is moving out of the suburb after 60 years. They felt there should have been an in-person vote rather than a postal vote, which allegedly attracted 80 responses in support of the Greenslopes relocation.

Those opposed to the project allege that Greenslopes residents were not properly consulted about the use of the former public bowling greens site and that the venue should be used for community benefit like arts, music and childcare rather than pokies.

Photo credit: Club Greenslopes/Google Maps

A proposal has been floated, seeking to ban pokies at Council-owned venues in the future and transforming those venues into hubs for arts, music and community activities. 

“The last thing the community needs is more pokies. Australians lose approximately $25 billion to gambling every year, including $11 billion from pokies in pubs, clubs and venues other than casinos,” said Member for Griffith Max Chandler-Mather.

“Exploitative pokie machines don’t enrich our community spaces, they are expertly designed for addiction and have already destroyed thousands of Australian lives. And when people live close to pokies venues, they are more likely to experience serious financial and mental health consequences,” he said.

However, Cr Fiona Cunningham said most local residents support the RSL’s renovation plans and continuing bowling and live music activities. 

Mr Satori said the club undertook an exhaustive search for a new venue before recommending the former Greenslopes Bowls Club. He said the relocation will allow the RSL to continue supporting veterans and local community groups.


Read: Greenslopes Revisits 1985: A Throwback to Abortion Debates


Published 30-January-2024 

Tender Open for Greenslopes Bowls Club Lease

The old Greenslopes Bowls Club facility is up for a new community lease after the previous tenant had to surrender their lease.


Read: What Lies Ahead for Vacant Greenslopes Bowls Club Site?


Cr Fiona Cunningham said the Brisbane City Council has opened up a tender process looking for interested community organisations to take over operations at the site. Eligible groups need to apply through the council, and applications will be evaluated based on factors like community benefit and involvement of local organisations.

“I think we can all agree that while it’s disappointing to see the former tenants having to surrender the lease, a new chapter for our community is waiting to be written,” said Cr Cunningham. 

Greenslopes Bowls Club
Photo credit: Jay Akash/Google Maps

The length of the new lease will depend on the plans and community contributions proposed by the successful applicant.

Cr Cunningham said residents with questions about the process can email her at Coorparoo.ward@bcc.Qld.gov.au to get accurate information.

The tender comes as the council looks to make the most of community facilities across Brisbane. The Greenslopes site presents a chance to bring new services, activities and energy to the neighbourhood.

About the Greenslopes Bowls Club

Greenslopes Bowls Club
Photo credit: Club Greenslopes/Google Maps

The former bowls club is located at 131 Ridge Street, Greenslopes. Spanning over 9 hectares, the expansive site contains top-notch facilities including a large function hall perfect for hosting events up to 200 people.

The council gave the building minor renovations in 2013, updating the exterior and improving accessibility. The interior was also upgraded with a state-of-the-art sound and stage system.


Read: Community Staple Press and Brew Closes Down, Makes Way For Planned Community Health Care Centre


Earlier this year, Club Greenslopes vacated the site after surrendering their lease. At that time, the council denied having any intention to sell the property after locals expressed concerns regarding the state of the site.

Published 13-September-2023

What Lies Ahead for Vacant Greenslopes Bowls Club Site?

Local residents are eagerly looking forward to the fate of the recently vacated Greenslopes Bowls Club site, as speculation arises over the potential sale of the venue.


Read: Luxury Developer Commits $60M to Transform Prime Woolloongabba Sites


Also known as Club Greenslopes, the bowls club continued to host social bowling events, live music performances, and functions until late 2022. Despite the conclusion of competitive bowling at the venue in late 2021, the club managed to sustain its operations. 

However, Club Greenslopes, operating on a month-to-month lease, recently notified the Brisbane City Council of their intention to vacate the premises, leaving the site unoccupied.

Greenslopes Bowls Club
Photo credit: Club Greenslopes/Google Maps

Situated at 131 Ridge Street, Greenslopes, this expansive 98,456 sqm site boasts an array of impressive amenities. Among its standout features is a dedicated function room capable of accommodating up to 200 guests, making it an ideal choice for special events and gatherings. 

Greenslopes Bowls Club
Photo credit: Tony Mockeridge/Google Maps

In addition, the site offers an inviting outdoor beer garden, a charming courtyard, and a balcony conveniently positioned adjacent to the green, providing a delightful space for relaxation and enjoyment.

A spokesperson for the club expressed the financial challenges faced by small sporting clubs, particularly in maintaining operations for niche sports like lawn bowls. The closure of numerous similar bowls clubs in recent months has further highlighted the difficulties faced by these establishments.

Photo credit: Jay Akash/Google Maps

Meanwhile, concerns have been mounting among neighbouring residents regarding the current state of the site.  The council-owned building last underwent minor refurbishment in 2013, focusing primarily on revitalising its exteriors and improving accessibility. The interiors of the building also received special attention and were equipped with a cutting-edge sound and stage system.

Additionally, there are concerns that the Council might opt to sell the old building, potentially paving the way for redevelopment.


Read: Remediation Works Start At The Former Red Cross Hall In Greenslopes


In response to these concerns, the Council has strongly denied any intention to sell the site. Instead, they have announced plans to initiate a tender process in the near future to seek a new community lessee for the Greenslopes Bowls Club site. 

Published 16-May-2023

Greens’ Launch Party with Live Music Will Kick Off @ Greenslopes Bowls Club

Victor Huml, Greens Queensland’s candidate for Greenslopes, will be hosting the “Greens for Greenslopes Campaign Launch Party” at the Greenslopes Bowls Club. The party will kick off at 6:00 p.m. until midnight on 8th of July. It will be a night of great music and fun activities with themed games and photo booth.

 

The Music Line Up

Main Room DJ Room
The Flangipanis Boss Sounds
The Cutaways Nowhere to Run
Plan of Attack The Yard
Hound DJ Honey
Dead Ringers
Acoustic set by Jud Campbell

 

What is Queensland Greens?

Greens Volunteer with Victor Huml
(Photo credit: Victor Huml, The Greens candidate for Greenslopes/Facebook)

Although there is a great music line-up, the highlight of the launch party is the talk with Victor Huml, the Greens Queensland Candidate for Greenslopes.

Queensland Greens, founded in September 1991, focuses on the preservation of nature, its life forms and natural processes. Guided by principles of non-violence, social justice, grass-roots democracy, and ecological sustainability, it is affiliated with Greens Australia and other worldwide parties.

 

Green Electricity

Photo credit: www.inhabitat.com

As one of the candidates for Queensland Greens, Victor Huml aims to provide positive changes on housing affordability, renters’ rights, and affordable and clean electricity, similar to China’s Panda Power Plant.

The Panda Power Plant is a solar plant that will bring clean electricity and promote sustainable development among China’s young people. It has a capacity to bring 100 MW of electricity, enough to minimise carbon emissions.

Photo credit: Victor Huml, The Greens candidate for Greenslopes/Facebook

“… Which Australian animals would you like featured if Queensland built similar solar plants?” — Victor Huml, the Greens candidate for Greenslopes

To know about the essential information and proposals you can gain at the Greenslope’s campaign’s launch party, visit the event page or Victor Huml’s Facebook page.