Bundaberg Rowing Club has secured its future on the banks of the Burnett River, with Bundaberg Regional Council renewing the club’s lease of its Bundaberg facility for the next decade.
The club provides opportunities for rowers from high school age through to masters from their two locations in Bundaberg and Bucca.
Bundaberg Rowing Club Secretary Melissa Chapman said the club was very pleased the lease had been renewed for 10 years.
“The facility on Toonburra Street is what we refer to as the town shed,” Melissa said.
“Early in the morning and in the afternoons, this shed is a hive of activity with many crews training on the Burnett River.
“Several schools in the Bundaberg Region run rowing programs and participate in local, state and national regattas [and] represent the club and their schools.”
Council’s Governance and Integrity portfolio spokesperson Councillor May Mitchell said the lease had been renewed by Council at a community rent rate offered to not-for-profit organisations.
“Council is proud to support the organisations which contribute to making our region a liveable, vibrant and connected community and one of the ways we do that is making Council owned facilities available below commercial or market rates to allow not-for-profit groups and clubs to continue to operate,” Cr Mitchell said.
“There are a range of agreements in place at Council venues and facilities for short term hire as well as longer term leases like this.
“Bundaberg Rowing Club has been around for over 100 years and it’s lovely to see that with Council’s help they can maintain their presence on the beautiful Burnett River.”
Melissa said the extension of the lease was vital to the club’s future.
“Without the support of Council our club would not be able to afford to rent at such a central location,” Melissa said.
“This allows the club to continue training from this facility which is easily accessed by several local schools and our club members.
“We are very appreciative of Council’s support in helping us to keep our members active and involved in the sport of rowing.”
Bundaberg Rowing Club welcomes new members of all experience levels to visit their website and Facebook page for opportunities to join and learn to row.
