Council takes a stand against Bondi Bowlo’s rent increase
Image: Bondi Bowling Club. Image: Instagram @bondibowlo
by GRACE JOHNSON
Waverley Council is protesting the 420% rent increase imposed on the beloved Bondi Bowling Club by the Minns Government without club or community consultation.
Earlier this month, around 11,000 Crown Land leaseholders were notified that their rent had been redetermined. The Bondi Bowling Club historically paid $22,000 annually in rent. They were then told that they’d have to pay $95,000, meaning they will have to fork out an extra $1,500 per week to keep their doors open.
Councillor Sally Betts, who, with Councillor Tony Kay, brought forth the motion, said in her address to council earlier this month, “Bondi Bowling Club has become really a hub for young people.”
“It really is providing an amazing facility for our community and I think we need to do whatever we can to help them.”
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Council is now investigating ways they can offer to take over the management of this parcel of Crown Land. Currently, the managing arrangements are through a special lease dating back to 1965, which provides tenure in perpetuity.
Some councillors raised concerns over what taking over management would entail. One noted that the building was in serious need of repairs. Matty Graham, President of the club, previously referred to the “laundry list of renovations” that the club needed.
Council is also considering assisting the club to raise funds by leasing its premises for events.
The Bondi Bowling Club has also started a petition to fight against its astronomical rent increase.
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