The fate of a beloved community treasure hangs in the balance, and silence from those in power is only fueling the fire. The Coorparoo Bowls Club, a cherished pokie-free haven in Brisbane, faces a rumored sell-off, leaving locals outraged and demanding answers. Bowls Queensland, the organization at the center of the storm, has remained tight-lipped about its plans for the site, despite mounting pressure from government officials and the community alike.
But here's where it gets even more concerning: Local state MP Joe Kelly has revealed that Bowls Queensland is reportedly on the verge of signing a deal with a developer, effectively sealing the club's fate. Kelly, alongside Coorparoo councillor Fiona Cunningham, is set to lead a community rally at the bowls club this Sunday, in a last-ditch effort to save this vital community space. And this is the part most people miss: The land was sold to Bowls Queensland for a mere $1 in 2009, with the explicit understanding that it would serve as a community hub. As Kelly puts it, 'This place is the heartbeat of our community – it's financially stable, brimming with players, and a lifeline for local residents.'
The potential loss of the Coorparoo Bowls Club is part of a larger, alarming trend. Since 2015, half of the community bowls clubs in the Greenslopes electorate have been sold off or shut down, raising questions about the prioritization of profit over community well-being. The once-thriving, pokie-free Greenslopes Bowls Club, for instance, closed in 2022 and is now set to reopen as a services club with a large gaming room – a stark contrast to its former community-focused identity. Cr Cunningham laments, 'For nearly a century, the Coorparoo Bowls Club has been the glue that holds our community together. Where else can families gather on a Sunday afternoon, enjoy a drink, and feel a sense of belonging?'
Despite repeated attempts by ABC Radio Brisbane to shed light on the situation, Bowls Queensland has declined to comment. Meanwhile, club members, speaking anonymously, reveal they've been met with silence for over a year, even after offering to pay increased rent to secure their lease. 'We're being kept in the dark,' one member shared, 'and it's deeply unsettling.' Local federal MP Renee Coffey echoed these concerns in parliament, urging Bowls Queensland to prioritize the club's survival. But the question remains: Is this a case of financial necessity, or a disregard for the community's voice?
As the community rallies to save their cherished space, one can't help but wonder: What does the future hold for community hubs like the Coorparoo Bowls Club? And more importantly, whose responsibility is it to protect these vital gathering places? Weigh in below – do you think Bowls Queensland should prioritize profit or community preservation? And what role should government play in safeguarding these spaces?
