TWO local community groups will soon have a new home for their equipment, with Fraser Coast Regional Council approving new leases for part of a shed at the McFie Park sporting fields in Torquay.
The Hervey Bay Surf Life Saving Club and the Beachhouse Fishing Club will be offered five-year leases to use separate sections of the Council-owned shed for storage.
The decision follows an expression of interest process that invited community organisations to apply to use the space.
Communities’ spokesperson Cr Michelle Govers said the leases were an important way to support local groups and make better use of Council facilities.
“We want to make sure our community facilities are being used, not sitting empty,” she said.
“Having a secure place to store their gear helps these groups stay active and involved in our community.
“Leasing part of this shed means it can serve a practical purpose while Council continues to look at long-term plans for the area.”
Both clubs met the requirements to enter into a lease with Council, including providing insurance, financial documents, and proof they are not-for-profit organisations.
The move is part of a broader push by Council to strengthen community partnerships and make Council-owned infrastructure more accessible to grassroots organisations.
By ensuring these spaces are put to good use, Council is supporting the growth and sustainability of clubs that play a vital role in the social fabric of the region.
The five-year leases help give the clubs some certainty, while still allowing for future planning and flexibility as Council continues a strategic review of community land.
The leases were approved at a recent Council meeting following consultation with the clubs, with councillors acknowledging the importance of providing reliable storage options to support the ongoing work of community-based organisations.
Council also recognised the long-standing contributions both clubs have made to the Fraser Coast, noting their ongoing involvement in community events and activities.
It’s hoped the new storage arrangements will free up time and resources, enabling the groups to focus more on delivering their programs and engaging with the wider public.
These types of partnerships ensure community assets are shared efficiently, and that local groups have what they need to thrive and grow into the future.
