The fate of a beloved community treasure hangs in the balance, and silence from those in power only deepens the concern. The Coorparoo Bowls Club, a cherished non-pokie haven in Brisbane, faces an uncertain future amid rumors of a sell-off by Bowls Queensland. Despite mounting pressure from local, state, and federal governments, Bowls Queensland remains tight-lipped about its plans for the site. But here's where it gets controversial: is this silence a strategic move, or a sign of something more troubling for the community?
Local state MP Joe Kelly has revealed to ABC Radio Brisbane that Bowls Queensland is reportedly on the brink of signing a deal with a developer. In response, Mr. Kelly and Coorparoo councillor Fiona Cunningham are rallying the community this Sunday to protest the potential loss of this vital space. The stakes are high, as the club was sold to Bowls Queensland for a symbolic $1 in 2009 under the agreement that it would serve as a community hub.
“This isn’t just any space—it’s a thriving, financially stable club that’s deeply woven into the fabric of our community,” Mr. Kelly emphasized. “It’s always bustling, and its members are fiercely loyal. By every measure, this club is a success story.”
And this is the part most people miss: the Coorparoo Bowls Club isn’t just a place to play bowls; it’s a 97-year-old pillar of the community. As Cr Cunningham passionately stated, “For nearly a century, this has been the heart of Coorparoo—a place where neighbors gather, share stories, and enjoy a Sunday afternoon beer. Losing it would leave a void that’s hard to replace.”
The erosion of community spaces like this is a growing concern. Since 2015, Mr. Kelly has witnessed half of the community bowls clubs in his Greenslopes electorate disappear, including the pokie-free Greenslopes Bowls Club, which closed in 2022 and is set to reopen as a gaming-focused venue.
Despite the club’s willingness to pay higher rent to secure its future, members claim Bowls Queensland has been unresponsive for over a year. “We’ve been left completely in the dark,” one anonymous member shared. “It’s as if they’ve gone radio silent.”
Federal MP Renee Coffey echoed these concerns in parliament, urging Bowls Queensland to prioritize the club’s survival. “This club’s success and its role in our community are undeniable,” she said. “Its future should not be in doubt.”
But here’s the question that lingers: Is Bowls Queensland prioritizing profit over community well-being? Or is there a larger, unseen challenge at play? Weigh in below—do you think community spaces like the Coorparoo Bowls Club are worth fighting for, or is change inevitable? Your voice matters in this debate.
