Local Lease Agreements Provide Economic Growth Opportunities

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At the July Local Government Council Meeting, Council was pleased to support two local community organisations, South Mission Beach Surf Lifesaving Club and the Hinchinbrook Branch - Australian Stock Horse Society, with new lease agreements.

South Mission Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SMBSLSC) have occupied the Kennedy Esplanade site for 30 years and during that time has grown into a thriving sporting club, with over 100 members.

In addition to promoting health and fitness to its members, SMBSLSC provides essential surf lifesaving services, supports emergency services including, fire, police and ambulance, contributes to regional events such as Red Bull Defiance and provides training in critical aquatic search and rescue skills.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan said Council was pleased to grant SMBSLSC a 30-year lease renewal which also transfers all assets and improvements to the lessee.

“Council appreciates the dynamic services and community interactions the Club provides, and the new lease will ensure this service can continue to enhance the quality of life for our community,” said Councillor Nolan.

The Hinchinbrook Branch - Australia Stock Horse Society had also approached Council requesting a lease for the old Silkwood Soccer Grounds to establish a purpose-built stock horse camp draft facility. The vision for this area is to host camp drafting events with the potential to attract 1000 to 15000 people over their three-day events. 

The Australia Stock Horse Society have a proven track record of supporting events such as the Tully Bull and Bike Ride, and the new ten-year lease allows their current camp draft schedule to expand in Silkwood.

“The lease will present an exciting opportunity to the community, with additional training facilities, and improved facilities for members and visitors with the arrangement to retain the tennis courts for community use.

“It’s a win–win for both lessee, Council and certainly the community, who will see greater economic benefit from future events, with the activation of Silkwood and promotion of the Cassowary Coast as a destination for camp drafting events.

“The granting of these leases provides greater economic and social opportunities for community while also positively contributing to Council’s progress in reducing ongoing asset and maintenance expenditure on our register,” said Councillor Nolan.